NS-served REDI Site attracts new automotive supplier in South Carolina

By Katie Byrd, Assistant Director of Executive Communications

$120 million facility adds to growing automotive sector

A Norfolk Southern-served REDI Site will now be the home to SODECIA AAPICO JV’s new $120 million manufacturing facility in Orangeburg County, South Carolina – a major win for the state’s fast-growing automotive supply chain.

“We’re proud to have been on the recruitment team for this project and look forward to helping SODECIA AAPICO serve our joint customer, Scout Motors,” said GVP Industrial Development Craig Hudson. “This investment strengthens the growing automotive supply chain taking shape across South Carolina, and we’re grateful to have strong partnerships with state and local economic development leaders – like the Orangeburg County Economic Development Commission – to bring these quality projects to life.”

Why it matters

Access to an NS rail-ready site made the location a top contender for advanced automotive manufacturing.

• The 400,000-square-foot facility will be located on the Tri-County Global Industrial Site, a Site Selectors Guild-recognized site offering direct Norfolk Southern rail service and immediate connectivity to major transportation corridors.
• SODECIA and AAPICO – both family-owned, global automotive manufacturers – are combining the companies’ core strengths and innovative capabilities to manufacture advanced ladder frames for a key automotive sector customer, Scout Motors.
• Nearly 400 new jobs and supplier growth will fuel long-term economic development across the region.

By the Numbers

• Investment: $120 million
• Facility size: 400,000 sq. ft.
• Jobs: Nearly 400
• Timeline: Construction expected to finish 2027; production expected to begin March 2028

In their words

Customers are celebrating the announcement:

“We are thrilled to take this important step toward expanding our footprint in the United States.  With our joint resources and the strong confidence that Scout Motors has placed in both companies, success is our only goal.” -AAPICO CEO Mr. Swee Chuan Yeap 

“This project symbolizes the strength of collaboration. By combining the best of both companies, we are creating a world-class facility that will deliver value to our customer and long-term opportunities for the local community.”-SODECIA CEO Mr. Rui Monteiro

"This announcement marks another important milestone as we work to build a robust, local supply chain for Scout Motors and create meaningful opportunities for South Carolinians. By investing in Orangeburg County, the Sodecia Aapico joint venture is bringing hundreds of new local jobs, strengthening this state’s thriving automotive ecosystem, and reinforcing our shared commitment to making high-quality Scout vehicles right here in South Carolina. We’re grateful to our partners and to the community for embracing our vision of growth and opportunity.” -Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh

State and industry leaders also welcomed the investment:

“Today’s announcement by Sodecia Aapico JV is another clear vote of confidence in South Carolina’s world-class workforce, and it will further strengthen our booming automotive industry. This announcement is also the latest example of Scout Motors’ arrival driving additional investment and job creation across our state, bringing even more opportunities and prosperity for our people.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

• AAPICO CEO Swee Chuan Yeap called it “an important step toward expanding our U.S. footprint.”
• SODECIA CEO Rui Monteiro emphasized “the strength of collaboration.”
• Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh said the facility “builds a robust, local supply chain.”
• South Carolina’s Governor and Secretary of Commerce celebrated the project’s workforce and economic benefits.

The bottom line

Norfolk Southern’s rail network and site development expertise helped secure this investment for South Carolina – fueling job creation, strengthening the automotive ecosystem, and supporting Scout Motors’ long-term success.

Learn more about how Norfolk Southern supports site selection and industrial growth here.

Katie Byrd leads external communications for Norfolk Southern in the areas of Executive Comms, Commercial and Strategic Planning. She joined NS in 2022, bringing nearly 10 years of strategic communications expertise.