BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC (“BMW MC”) recently received the required regulatory permits and approvals for its new high-voltage battery assembly facility in Woodruff, S.C., paving the way for a $700 million greenfield investment.

BMW MC currently assembles lithium-ion battery modules for the two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles built at the plant, the BMW X3 xDrive30e and BMW X5 xDrive45e. In 2021, nearly 70,000 electrified BMWs were built on-site. BMW MC also produces the BMW X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles and four BMW M models, including the all-new hybrid-electric BMW XM.

The new high-voltage battery assembly facility in Woodruff will create 300 new jobs, encompass over one million square feet and assemble next generation battery components for fully electric vehicles.

Commenting on the project, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey, III, stated that “BMW’s latest investment further proves that South Carolina is a vital player in the automotive transformation sweeping the U.S. and the world. The company’s continued success here is defined by collaboration and a workforce that is second to none. Once again, BMW is helping South Carolina drive the automotive industry toward the future, and I can’t wait to see where the ride takes us.”

Burr’s Chad N. Johnston served as lead legal counsel for environmental approvals and mitigation for the South Carolina Department of Commerce, preparing the alternatives analysis for the project, responding to public comments and requests for additional information, and interfacing with BMW MC, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control regarding the Section 404 Permit and 401 Water Quality Certification.