Vehicle systems manufacturer investing $500M in Laurens County expansion

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ZF Group, an original equipment supplier for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, is expanding ZF Transmissions Gray Court, its manufacturing facility in Laurens County.

The $500 million investment will create 400 new jobs, according to a news release.

By investing in the existing facility, located at 2846 N. Old Laurens Road in Gray Court, ZF Transmissions Gray Court will be able to build next generation propulsion systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, the release stated. Production operations for new products at the plant will start later this year.

“This is ZF’s first step to ensure ZF Gray Court remains a critical part of our major e-mobility transformation in North America and globally,” said Tobias Brugger, vice president and plant manager, ZF Transmissions Gray Court, in the release. “Having the capability to produce the propulsion systems of today, and e-mobility products of tomorrow, under one U.S. roof and in South Carolina, is critical to serving our customers in the U.S. and globally.”

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Since opening in 2013, the facility has produced eight- and nine-speed transmissions for passenger vehicles, the release stated. As mobility transforms and shifts toward electrification, ZF Transmissions Gray Court continues to evolve and invest in advanced equipment and technologies that will meet the changing needs of the industries it serves.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project, the release stated. The council also awarded a $15 million Closing Fund grant to Laurens County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“We are immensely blessed at the continued investment from ZF Transmissions,” Laurens County Council Chairman Brown Patterson said in the release. “We are proud to provide a home for their continued growth. ZF is an integral part of our community, and this latest announcement just solidifies a strong partnership Laurens County strives to foster with our industrial partners. Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to Laurens County.”