For Immediate Release
May 7, 2024
Columbia Vehicle Group selects Aiken County to establish first South Carolina operation
$12.2 million investment will create 180 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Columbia Vehicle Group (Columbia), an electric vehicle manufacturer, today announced it selects Aiken County for the company’s first South Carolina operation. The company’s $12.2 million investment will create 180 new jobs.
Part of the Nordic Group of Companies, Columbia manufactures pure electric vehicles for industrial and commercial markets under the Columbia and Tomberlin brands. The company’s products, which include golf carts, utility vehicles, maintenance vehicles and e-bikes, are distributed globally.
Columbia is relocating manufacturing operations from Florida and Wisconsin to Aiken County for closer proximity to customers and its supply chain. The company will purchase and upfit the existing 154,480-square-foot facility located at 2063 University Parkway in Aiken.
Operations will be phased in over the next 18 months. Individuals interested in joining the Columbia team should email jobs@columbiausa.com.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Aiken County to assist with the costs of building improvements.
QUOTES
“We’ve been investing in great communities since 1947 with Aiken being a superb fit to our continued global expansion of the Tomberlin and Columbia brands. It has been a pleasure working with Aiken County and the S.C. Department of Commerce.”
-Columbia Vehicle Group CEO Michael Tomberlin
“We are proud to welcome Columbia Vehicle Group to South Carolina’s thriving electric vehicle industry. This investment and the 180 jobs it will create in Aiken County represent another victory for our state’s exceptional workforce, and we look forward to the impact this will have throughout South Carolina in the years ahead.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster
“South Carolina prioritizes supporting our local supply chain to help make it easier to do business in South Carolina. We are pleased this effort contributed to Columbia Vehicle Group’s decision to relocate to Aiken County and look forward to supporting the company as it launches a new legacy in our state.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Columbia Vehicle Group’s selection of Aiken County for its manufacturing operations highlights our county’s low tax, manufacturing-friendly environment. We appreciate the confidence that Columbia places in our community and look forward to partnering with them in attracting additional industrial investment and job creation.”
-Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker
“We would like to thank Columbia Vehicle Group for choosing Aiken County for this investment and the new jobs that will be created. The adoptive reuse of an existing building and the continued diversification of our manufacturing sector is impactful to Aiken County.”
-Western SC Economic Development Partnership Chairman Gary Stooksbury
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Columbia Vehicle Group (Columbia) selects Aiken County to establish its first South Carolina operation.
- The company’s $12.2 million investment will create 180 new jobs.
- Columbia is a manufacturer of electric vehicles including golf carts, utility vehicles, maintenance vehicles and e-bikes.
- The company will be located at 2063 University Parkway in Aiken, S.C.
- Individuals interested in joining the Columbia team should email jobs@columbiausa.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Coakley
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998