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Celebrating its 30th anniversary of assembling BMWs for the world, BMW Manufacturing opened its press shop as it prepares to assemble the new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle at the Spartanburg, S.C., plant. The press shop will stamp sheet metal parts for the new BMW X3, which made its North American debut during the ceremony. These components include hang-on parts such as the vehicle’s four doors, fenders, lift gate, and exterior body sides. 

“After 30 years of successful operations, we are further expanding our commitment. At the end of 2026, assembly of all-electric Sports Activity Vehicles will start here in Spartanburg. This is a further step towards strengthening our global resilience,” said Dr. Milan Nedeljkovic, member of the Board of Management of BMW.

By 2030, the BMW Group will assemble at least six fully electric models in the U.S. The high-voltage batteries for the future BEVs from Spartanburg will come from nearby Woodruff, where the BMW Group is currently building an assembly plant for sixth-generation batteries. The opening of the press shop also contributes to strengthening the U.S. footprint.

“The advanced stamping processes on our new press line will ensure the highest quality, efficiency, and consistency in body shop parts for our customers,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “Having this press shop onsite fits the BMW Group’s local-for-local strategy where we produce major parts at the location where we need them.” 

The BMW Group invested more than $200 million to construct the 219,000-square-foot press shop. It took 24 months from site work preparation to stamping the first part on the press line.