BMW Manufacturing on Friday officially opened a new $20 million training center which the German automaker says will further their goal of promoting creative learning, fostering innovation, and advancing technical skills in a rapidly changing automotive industry.
The 68,000-square-foot training center features multiple classrooms for both professional development and technical training, an amphitheater, and a unique concept of outdoor meeting and workspace that includes wireless capabilities.
BMW officials said the new training center will be instrumental in transitioning Plant Spartanburg into a BMW iFactory, setting standards for flexibility, sustainability and digitalization.
SC Governor Henry McMaster said BMW was "once again proving their unwavering commitment to our state's biggest asset - our workforce."
While clearing the area behind the center, BMW in partnership with TreesUpstate planted 106 trees, consisting of eight native species, representing 106 years of the BMW Group.
BMW also saved trees that were cleared to be reclaimed and repurposed as furniture in the building. A fenced area behind the training center has been designated a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.
