News Summary
ZF has begun construction on a 45,000-square-foot expansion at its Gray Court facility in South Carolina, aimed at improving logistics and efficiency. This $500 million investment is expected to create hundreds of jobs, support new product lines, and enhance the company’s operational capabilities in response to growing market demands. The expansion reflects ZF’s commitment to localizing supply chains and the sustainable growth of the automotive sector in the region.
South Carolina is set to witness significant expansion in the automotive sector as ZF, a leading mobility product manufacturer, has commenced construction on a 45,000-square-foot extension at its facility in Gray Court. This development aims to improve logistics capabilities and strengthen the company’s operational efficiency in response to growing market demands.
The newly planned expansion will enhance the Gray Court facility’s logistics space by providing flexible capacity, streamlined dock access, and optimized material flow. These improvements are crucial for better integrating logistics operations with the existing manufacturing processes at the facility, which specializes in producing propulsion systems for both passenger and commercial vehicles.
ZF North America President, Ramiro Gutierrez, emphasized that this expansion is designed specifically to allow the company to meet customer needs with increased speed and adaptability. This initiative reflects ZF’s broader commitment to localizing supply chains and contributing to sustainability goals across North America.
While the financial details surrounding the expansion project remain undisclosed, it has been confirmed that ZF Group is making a substantial investment of $500 million into expanding their operations across the region. This investment is projected to generate hundreds of new jobs, further bolstering the local economy.
Marcio Cabeca, the Vice President of ZF Gray Court, highlighted that enhancing throughput and delivery performance is vital for the company’s growth trajectory. The expansion comes at a time when the facility has already been recognized as ZF’s first flex manufacturing site in North America, indicating its strategic importance within the company’s operations.
The initiation of construction was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony held on September 9, 2025, with anticipated completion set for spring 2026. Such timelines indicate a focused effort to rapidly implement the enhancements to boost productivity at the facility.
Local community leaders are optimistic regarding the prospects that ZF’s expansion presents. Brown Patterson, Chairman of the Laurens County Development Corporation, expressed appreciation for the investment and its significance to the Laurens County community. Similarly, Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III noted that the expansion is indicative of a positive economic momentum in the region, cementing South Carolina’s status as a powerhouse in the automotive industry.
Since opening in 2010, the Gray Court facility has experienced consistent growth, attributed to the integration of advanced technologies in the mobility sector. The upcoming expansion is not only poised to support new product lines but will also facilitate the introduction of high-tech products catering to North American markets.
As ZF pushes to enhance its logistics capabilities, the expansion stands to benefit the entire supply chain by improving efficiency and effectively responding to customers’ evolving needs. This development will not only reinforce ZF’s existing operations in Gray Court but will also play a pivotal role in advancing the manufacturing landscape in South Carolina, contributing to job creation and economic stability in the region.
In summary, ZF’s investment in the 45,000-square-foot expansion of its Gray Court facility highlights the company’s commitment to growth amidst increasing operational demands while fostering economic development and sustainability in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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.
