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Next-Gen Mail Truck’ to be made in Spartanburg

Molly Hulsey //June 22, 2021//

Next-Gen Mail Truck’ to be made in Spartanburg

Molly Hulsey //June 22, 2021//

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Oshkosh Defense was awarded the contact for the NGDV in February. (Photo/Provided)The U.S. Postal Delivery Service’s newest ride — which might appear to drive right out of a Pixar film according to some pundits — will start its life in Spartanburg with a $155 million investment in the county.

Oshkosh Defense, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corp., was awarded the $482 million contract in February as part of a multi-billion-dollar initiative to replace the Postal Service’s 230,000 vehicle fleet within 10-years. Oshkosh’s contract for the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle, or NGDV drove the company to locate its incoming facility at an existing warehouse facility in Spartanburg’s Flatwood Industrial Park, according to a news release.

The assembly plant will bring 1,000 jobs to the Upstate, according to the release.

“We’re proud to bring this historic undertaking to Spartanburg County. South Carolina has a skilled workforce and a proven history in advanced automotive manufacturing — it’s the perfect place to produce the NGDV,” Oshkosh Corp. Executive Vice President and Defense President John Bryant said in the release. “More importantly, we know the people of the Upstate take pride in their work and their community. What we build together here will reach every home in the country.”

Founded in 1917, Oshkosh Defense is a tactical vehicle manufacturer that specializes in designing and manufacturing a diverse portfolio of heavy, medium, light and highly protected vehicles and technologies for clients around the globe.

According to the release, the repurposed warehouse’s “innovative features” will accommodate the technical requirements of the large-scale manufacturing operation. Production is expected to begin in summer 2023.

“Today, we celebrate Oshkosh Defense – a world-class company – and their decision to establish manufacturing operations in South Carolina,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the news release. “It speaks volumes of our business environment when a company of this caliber invests $155 million and creates more than 1,000 jobs in our state. Congratulations to this great company, and we look forward to all the things they will do.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project, and Spartanburg County was also awarded a $9 million Set-Aside grant to assist with costs related to the project.

“The automotive industry continues to be at the forefront of our state’s economy and our manufacturing sector,” Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt said in the release. “When companies like Oshkosh Defense choose to locate here, it not only creates opportunities for South Carolinians, but also reinforces our reputation as an automotive powerhouse which Team S.C. has worked so hard to cultivate.”

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