BMW Manufacturing Corp. said Thursday, Sept. 26 it plans a $400-million expansion at its South Carolina assembly plant, creating 400 new jobs.

BMW plans to increase production at the plant to 150,000 cars in 2003 from 120,000 this year. BMW President Helmut Leube said there would be no new construction involved, but new jobs and new equipment would be added in coming months.

"Our decision to place our U.S. plant in South Carolina has proven to be a successful one as we strive to keep up with customer demand for our X5 sports activity vehicle and begin to build the new Z4 roadster," Leube said.

The company wants to put an emphasis on design and engineering to move the South Carolina plant beyond its primary role as a manufacturer. South Carolina’s production contributes to 16 percent of worldwide BMW sales.

Leube said the expansion would increase the plant’s employees to nearly 5,000.

BMW also said the company would donate $10 million to nearby Clemson University to create an automotive engineering graduate program. The state will contribute $25 million for the program.

"BMW envisions this as the next generation of leaders who will lead the country in designing customized vehicles," said Clemson President James Barker. The first class of about 50 students is expected to begin the fall of 2005.

When BMW broke ground on the Greer plant in 1992, the company said it would invest $410 million and employ 1,900 within 20 years. The company’s current facility represents a $1.9-billion investment.

For more information, visit www.bmwusfactory.com