Palmetto State News

ElringKlinger Group, an automotive supplier headquartered in Germany, has announced its decision to establish its first South Carolina operation in Pickens County. The $40.3 million investment is expected to create 115 new jobs.

ElringKlinger focuses on the electrification of mobility and the advancement of the hydrogen economy. The company operates 44 manufacturing sites worldwide, producing innovative solutions for customers globally. At its new 226,000-square-foot facility located at 3800 Calhoun Memorial Highway in Easley, ElringKlinger will manufacture electric battery cell contacting systems. These systems are crucial components that connect individual cells within a battery system and make energy available to the drive system. This facility will serve as the company's main U.S. hub for developing and manufacturing battery products.

Operations are projected to commence by mid-2025.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project and awarded a $750,000 Set-Aside grant to Pickens County to assist with site preparation, building construction, and road improvements.

"The new site in Pickens County is the next step for ElringKlinger in the implementation of its SHAPE30 transformation strategy," said ElringKlinger Group CEO Thomas Jessulat. "The American market generally offers great potential for battery technology applications. When it comes to unlocking this potential, the U.S. state of South Carolina is an optimal starting point for establishing the Group’s Battery Center Americas."

Governor Henry McMaster commented on the announcement: "ElringKlinger's decision to establish its first South Carolina operation is further proof that the automotive industry continues to drive our state's economy forward. The company's new facility in Pickens County, along with the 115 new jobs it creates, will greatly benefit our state and citizens for years to come."

Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III added: "Congratulations to ElringKlinger on its new manufacturing facility in Pickens County. ElringKlinger's new operation, which will serve as the company's U.S. hub for battery products, is a testament to South Carolina's reputation for excellence in automotive manufacturing."

Pickens County Council Chairman Chris Bowers expressed his enthusiasm: "Pickens County's workforce, including the Scholar Technicians from our Pickens County Career and Technology Center, are a perfect match for ElringKlinger's high manufacturing standards and cutting-edge technology. We are excited to welcome ElringKlinger and its 115 valuable jobs to the Easley area where we are poised to thrive together for years to come."

John H. Lummus, President and CEO of Upstate SC Alliance stated: "We are pleased that ElringKlinger has chosen Pickens County for its manufacturing and development hub in the United States. The company is a worldwide leader in automotive e-mobility technologies, and they are another great example of a high-tech international company choosing Upstate because of our talented workforce, excellent manufacturing climate and proximity to markets. We look forward to them growing in our region."