Automotive supplier BorgWarner Inc. is investing $13.3 million to expand its Oconee operations with new equipment and 50 new hires within the next five years. The investment is aimed at increasing the facility’s production of transfer cases used in the passenger car, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-highway, construction and agricultural markets.
BorgWarner – which employs 22,000 people in 58 facilities worldwide – also reached an agreement with the City of Seneca to lease 100,000 square feet for warehouse space within the Seneca Commerce Center.
The company invested $24.6 million in fall 2013 in its Oconee operations. The further expansion will bring its employment to 750 people.
“It is great to see BorgWarner continue to take advantage of Oconee’s strong business infrastructure,” said Oconee County Council Chairman Wayne McCall in a news release. “The company’s expansion reflects not only the strength of Oconee’s growing manufacturing industry but also our dynamic logistics network.”
The recent investment qualified for job development tax credits via The Coordinating Council for Economic Development.
“BorgWarner is a great example of a company that’s been able to make the most of all that Oconee County has to offer,” said Oconee Economic Alliance Chairman Glenn Buddin. “We recognize the importance of existing industry and will continue to be an advocate for them for years to come.”
The Seneca micropolitan area – which encompasses all of Oconee County – was ranked in 2015 as the top performing micropolitan area in the state and eighth nationwide by Site Selection magazine. Out of nearly 600 micropolitan areas, Oconee has risen from 45th in 2013 and 27th in 2014.
“On behalf of the City of Seneca, it is great to have BorgWarner call our area home and to have them not only conduct another expansion that will create a ripple effect throughout our community but to also have them lease space at the city-owned Seneca Commerce Center,” stated City of Seneca Mayor Dan Alexander. “This is quite the winning combination.”
The Oconee Economic Alliance also ranked among the top 10 micropolitan economic development groups of the year, boasting $95 million in investment and 419 new jobs, according to Site Selection.
