BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster announced on Friday that an electric vehicle manufacturing facility has announced plans to locate in Richland County and bring thousands of jobs.
In a statement released just before noon, the governor's office announced that Scout Motors Inc. is establishing a $2 billion facility in Blythewood where it will build all-electric trucks and SUVs "harkening back to the Scout vehicles produced from 1960 to 1980."
“The Palmetto State, with its rich history, superior people, and sterling automotive manufacturing reputation, is the perfect place to re-start this iconic American brand,” Governor McMaster said.
The governor's office added that the Tysons, Virginia-based company is backed by Volkswagen Group.
The plant will also bring as many as 4,000 jobs to the region, the governor said.
"Today, we’re reimagining Scout’s original ingenuity and electrifying its future," Scout Motors CEO and President Scott Keogh said. "We’re bringing the Scout spirit to South Carolina and it's going to be a hell of a ride.”
The Blythewood site will be located off of I-77 and span roughly 1,600 acres with the facility itself taking up 1,100 acres.
“This proposed manufacturing facility marks a major milestone in the history of Richland County and the potential for our most significant economic development project to date," Richland County Council Chair Overture Walker said.
Blythewood Mayor Bryan Franklin said he was "thrilled" with the news.
"We are honored to have been selected for this exciting new venture," Franklin said. "We look forward to working closely with our partners, community members and other stakeholders to ensure the success of this project and to build a bright future for our town and our region.”
State Representative Todd Rutherford released a statement saying, “This is a transformative project that will bring thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment to Richland County, benefiting all of South Carolina.The impact this will have on our local economy cannot be overstated: this is historic and transformative. I am excited to work with Scout Motors and other stakeholders as this project comes to life.”
And South Carolina's US Senator Lindsey Graham said, "The decision to bring Scout Motors will be one of the biggest economic development achievements in the history of our state. This legendary vehicle is making a comeback and I’m proud to say the new edition, an electric vehicle, will be made in South Carolina."
The company plans to begin production by the end of 2026.