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 MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
