Global electric vehicle company Arrival announced Tuesday that it would build its first U.S. microfactory in York County, S.C.
According to the company, the $46 million investment will create 240 new jobs.
Founded in 2015, the London-based company works to create zero-emission mobility solutions for today’s transportation challenges. At the South Carolina plant, the company will use a new cell-based assembly method, which would allow the company to produce any vehicle in its portfolio. An alternative to the traditional assembly line method, the cell-based assembly method requires less space, hence the term microfactory.
The microfactory design helps keep the cost of producing electric vehicles down, the company said, which is a key to accelerating mass adoption.
“Our new Microfactory in South Carolina is the beginning of a paradigm shift in the EV space. We’re thankful for the great work at the state and local levels that lead us to South Carolina, and we are excited to be able to partner with York County to deliver our vision for commercial electric vehicles while investing in the lives of the community members that support Arrival,” Arrival CEO of North America Mike Abelson said.
Located in Rock Hill, the microfactory will initially focus on building electric buses. Additionally, the vehicles’ materials will be sourced from surrounding regions, reducing the environmental impact and helping the local economy.
Arrival is expected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2021, with production starting by the fourth quarter of 2021.
“We couldn’t be happier that Arrival has decided to build zero-emissions EVs right here in South Carolina. It speaks volumes to our business-friendly climate and well-trained workforce, and we look forward to working with them for many years to come,” said Gov. Henry McMaster