News Summary
Isuzu North America has started construction on a new vehicle production plant in Piedmont, South Carolina, with a $280 million investment. The facility aims to produce up to 50,000 medium-duty trucks annually by 2030, generating over 700 jobs by 2028. This plant will enhance Isuzu’s production capabilities with innovative manufacturing processes and logistics advantages, aligning with increasing trends towards electrification in the automotive industry.
Piedmont, South Carolina – Isuzu North America Corporation has officially broken ground on a new motor vehicle production plant in Piedmont on October 1, 2025. This significant project, coming with a $280 million investment, is poised to bolster the company’s operations and production capabilities in the United States.
The new facility will expand an existing 1,000,000-square-foot site over 200 acres in Greenville County, aiming to streamline Isuzu’s production processes. With a targeted production capacity reaching 50,000 units by the year 2030, the plant will focus on manufacturing Isuzu’s medium-duty truck lineup, which includes the N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric, and F-Series trucks.
Once operational, the facility is projected to generate over 700 jobs for local residents by 2028, providing a notable boost to the labor market in the area. This new operation will enable Isuzu to produce a range of gas, diesel, and electric vehicles, aligning with the growing trend towards electrification in the automotive industry.
Innovative Production Features
The Piedmont plant will introduce a variable-model, variable-volume production system, making it the first Isuzu facility to adopt such a system for gas, diesel, and electric vehicles. This advancement aims to enhance production flexibility and scalability, allowing Isuzu to adapt to changing market demands swiftly.
Furthermore, the production lines at the facility will be designed without traditional conveyors or pits, promoting improved operational efficiency. Additionally, the plant will integrate various automation systems to streamline processes and enhance overall efficiency, showcasing Isuzu’s commitment to innovation in manufacturing.
Dignitaries and Community Impact
The groundbreaking ceremony saw the attendance of key dignitaries, including South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Isuzu Motors Limited Chairman Masanori Katayama, and the Japanese Ambassador to the U.S., Shigeo Yamada. Their presence highlights the importance of this investment for both the local community and the broader automotive market.
Isuzu’s History and Future in North America
Isuzu has been a part of the U.S. market since 1984 and currently operates through over 300 dealers across North America. In the last fiscal year, Isuzu achieved its highest sales total in history, with 44,000 units sold, reflecting a strong demand for its products.
The Piedmont facility will consolidate Isuzu’s production-related operations, improving process efficiency and allowing the company direct control over assembly and logistics. This consolidation is part of Isuzu’s broader strategy to increase domestic parts sourcing and expand its automotive technology research and development efforts.
Logistical Advantages
The strategic location of the Piedmont plant provides easy access to major transportation routes, including I-85 and I-26, facilitating the logistics and distribution of Isuzu vehicles. Such accessibility will be crucial in optimizing operations and ensuring timely delivery of products to dealers and consumers alike.
Project Management
The project is being managed by Gray, recognized as the No. 3 Top Contractor for Auto Plants by Engineering News-Record. Currently, Gray is involved in nearly 70 active projects across the United States, emphasizing its capacity to handle large-scale construction projects efficiently.
As Isuzu North America moves forward with this groundbreaking initiative, the company is set to shape the future of medium-duty vehicle production while contributing significantly to the local and national economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Greenville Online: Isuzu Breaks Ground on New Facility
- Fox Carolina: New Isuzu Plant Breaks Ground
- Assembly Magazine: Isuzu Breaks Ground on Vehicle Production Plant
- Wikipedia: Isuzu
- Google Search: Isuzu North America
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
