Isuzu Motors says it will establish a new production facility in South Carolina, USA, to strengthen its vehicle supply capability in anticipation of the electrification of commercial vehicles in North America.
The total investment will be approximately US$280 million and the new facility is slated to be operational in 2027. Isuzu says it is expected to employ more than 700 people, with an annual production capacity of approximately 50,000 vehicles by 2030.
Isuzu says the new facility will introduce a variable-model, variable-volume production system that can also respond to demand for internal combustion engine commercial vehicles. The facility will be the first in the Isuzu Group to use a production line without conveyors or pits, realising a ‘highly advanced line that maximizes flexibility and scalability’. To establish a quality assurance system for all processes, the facility will automate inspections to eliminate operational errors, ensure traceability of parts, and introduce image inspections and other methods to prevent any outflow of defective products.
Isuzu entered the North American market in 1984. With record wholesales of 44,000 vehicles in the last fiscal year and a key market for Isuzu, the company says it is looking to strengthen manufacturing, sales, and service in North America. Isuzu also aims to further expand its business in North America by promoting local sourcing of components required for the production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), for which demand is expected to grow over the medium to long- term, the company says.
