Joint auto manufacturing venture to enter SC market with $120M facility

An overseas joint auto manufacturing venture is entering the South Carolina market with a new $120 facility that will serve a high-profile manufacturer taking shape in the Midlands.

SODECIA AAPICO Joint Venture selected Orangeburg County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation to support Scout Motors, according to a news release. The company’s $120 million investment will create up to 392 new jobs.

SODECIA and AAPICO — both family-owned, global automotive manufacturers — are combining the companies’ core strengths and innovative capabilities to manufacture advanced ladder frames for a key automotive sector customer, Scout Motors, the release stated.

“With our joint resources and the strong confidence that Scout Motors has placed in both companies, success is our only goal,” Swee Chuan Yeap, CEO, Aapico, said in the release. “This project symbolizes the strength of collaboration. By combining the best of both companies, we are creating a world-class facility that will deliver value to our customer and long-term opportunities for the local community.”

Added Rui Monteiro, CEO, Sodecia: “We are thrilled to take this important step toward expanding our footprint in the United States.”

This new investment will enable Sodecia Aapico JV to serve as a critical parts supplier for Scout Motors, the emerging automotive manufacturer that is revitalizing an iconic American brand and building its new Production Center in nearby Blythewood, the release stated.

“This announcement marks another important milestone as we work to build a robust, local supply chain for Scout Motors and create meaningful opportunities for South Carolinians,” Scott Keogh, President and CEO, Scout Motors, said in the release. “By investing in Orangeburg County, the Sodecia Aapico joint venture is bringing hundreds of new local jobs, strengthening this state’s thriving automotive ecosystem, and reinforcing our shared commitment to making high-quality Scout vehicles right here in South Carolina. We’re grateful to our partners and to the community for embracing our vision of growth and opportunity.”

Sodecia Aapico JV’s new 400,000-square-foot facility, located at 4100 St. Matthews Road in Orangeburg, will manufacture ladder frames predominately for SUV and truck model vehicles. Construction is expected to be completed during 2027. Companies interested in becoming a supplier for Sodecia Aapico JV should complete S.C. Commerce’s online interest form. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

SODECIA is a global Tier 1 supplier headquartered in Portugal, operating across more than 40 locations in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. The company specializes in engineering and manufacturing innovative structural components, powertrain systems and mechanisms for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.

AAPICO is a publicly listed Tier 1 automotive parts manufacturer based in Thailand with more than 30 years of industry experience, that excels in the production of jigs, dies, press parts, chassis frame components, cradles, plastic parts, and forged and machined components.

“Today is a strong moment for Orangeburg County. Sodecia Aapico JV bringing 392 new jobs and $120 million investment to our community means real opportunity for the people who live and work here,” Johnnie Wright, Sr., chairman, Orangeburg County Council, said in the release. “We appreciate companies that see value in Orangeburg County – our workforce, our location and our commitment to support industry. We welcome Sodecia Aapico JV and look forward to the positive impact this project will have for our residents.”

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