Scout Motors Inc. held a ceremony Feb. 15 to officially break ground on its Production Center in Blythewood, SC.
“Today is less about construction and a building and more about a calling and a community,” said Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh. “We’re here to celebrate the revitalization of an American icon and the reshoring of American jobs. On this land -- with our hands and with our technology -- we will build great vehicles.”
The groundbreaking ceremony featured several original Scout vehicles and members of the Scout community, as well as a 3D model of the Production Center and virtual content that brought the future factory to life.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks another milestone for Scout Motors and the entire state as we continue to move forward with this project that will supercharge the Midlands’ economy,” said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. “We applaud Scout Motors for their commitment, which will continue to move South Carolina towards a future defined by innovation and prosperity.”
The site spans approximately 1,600 acres, with the plant itself occupying 1,100 acres. Bordered by I-77 and Blythewood Road, it will be located less than 20 miles north of Columbia and near major cities and talent hubs such as Charleston, Charlotte, Greenville and Atlanta. This proximity gives Scout Motors access to major highways, ports of Charleston and Savannah, and colleges and universities focused on automotive engineering.
Vehicle production is targeted to begin by the end of 2026, with the first retail sales of trucks and SUVs occurring soon thereafter.
During the ceremony, Jim Poiry, a former plant manager at the original Scout factory in Fort Wayne, IN, presented a brick from that factory to the Scout Motors team. The brick, generously gifted to Scout Motors by Harvester Homecoming and the Tippman family, will help build the foundation for the new Production Center.
“We could not be more proud to build our Production Center, workforce and vehicles here in Blythewood, SC,” said Dr. Jan Spies, Scout Motors chief production officer. “At our peak capacity, we plan to produce 200,000 vehicles a year here -- that’s 40 per hour.”
Scout Motors’ trucks and SUVs will be built on a newly designed all-electric platform, engineered to deliver capability and off-road prowess, with a focus on ground clearance, approach angles, robust axles, payload capacity, all-electric range and new digital features.
Scout Motors has now hired nearly 350 employees since its inception in 2022.
