$68.5 million investment will create 294 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – ElringKlinger, an automotive supplier, today announced it is expanding its operations in Pickens County. The company’s $68.5 million investment will create 294 new jobs.
Headquartered in Germany, ElringKlinger is a global development partner and manufacturer for the automotive industry, specializing in e-mobility, lightweight solutions, sealing technology and tooling. The company operates over 40 locations worldwide and, in June 2024, established its main U.S. battery hub for developing and manufacturing e-mobility products, such as battery and lightweight components, in Pickens County.
Located at 317 Grand National Lane in Easley, ElringKlinger plans to expand its production of cell contact systems for a major global premium car manufacturer, while also increasing output of lightweight components for electric vehicles and other new projects.
Operations are expected to be online in the first quarter of 2027. Individuals interested in joining the ElringKlinger team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $750,000 Set-Aside grant to Pickens County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.
QUOTES
“The expansion of the plant in Easley, S.C., is another milestone for ElringKlinger in the implementation of our SHAPE30 transformation strategy. Thanks to the distinguished characteristics of the state of South Carolina, Pickens County offers excellent opportunities for establishing and further developing future technologies for the automotive industry in the U.S. Based on large-scale production orders already secured, we will ramp-up and expand the production of innovative battery and lightweight components.”
-ElringKlinger Group CEO Thomas Jessulat
“ElringKlinger’s expansion in Pickens County is another great vote of confidence in South Carolina’s world-class automotive industry. The 294 new job opportunities created by this announcement will have a tremendous impact in the community, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with ElringKlinger in the years ahead.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster
“Today, we celebrate another major victory for our state’s automotive industry. By investing $68.5 million to expand its operations, ElringKlinger is underscoring that South Carolina remains an ideal destination for automotive manufacturers. Congratulations to ElringKlinger and Pickens County on this great accomplishment.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“This additional investment from ElringKlinger represents a win for Pickens County. Since 2024, the company's combined commitment of $135 million reflects a strong vote of confidence in our community and our workforce. The creation of high-quality, technical jobs will provide opportunities for our own residents to build their careers right here at home. ElringKlinger’s decision to expand in Pickens County further solidifies our position as a leader in advanced manufacturing and battery technology across the United States.”
-Pickens County Council Chairman Alex Saitta
Fast Facts
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ElringKlinger is expanding its operations in Pickens County.
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The company's $68.5 million investment will create 294 new jobs.
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ElringKlinger is an automotive supplier.
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The company is located at 317 Grand National Lane in Easley, S.C.
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Individuals interested in joining the ElringKlinger team should visit the company's careers page.