Scout Motors celebrates opening of new training center
BLYTHEWOOD, SC (WOLO) — Monday morning, Scout Motors celebrated the grand opening of its new 32,500 square-foot training center in Blythewood.
The $25 million facility will be used to educate the site’s over 4,000 future employees who will work at the nearby 1,600 acre production site.
A number of local legislators and community leaders attended the ceremony including Governor Henry McMaster, and Scout Motors President Scott Keogh.
“Today and what we’re doing here is the most important thing we will do as a company,” says Keogh.
Over 600 people are already employed at the new production site, with 100 more to be hired on Tuesday.
According to Keogh, over 17,000 South Carolinians have expressed interest in landing a job there.
“This is interest in building things again. This is interest in doing things again. This is interest in believing again and of course finding stable, real meaningful work close to home,” Keogh says.
On Monday, guests were given a tour through the different training sections of the building — including areas designated for body and paint work, assembly and disassembly, and quality inspection.
Production Associates Gail Allen and Tashay Bates are urging others to apply saying experience in manufacturing is not a necessity.
“It’s a great place to work. I have nothing negative to say about it. The training has been great, the team has been welcoming from the beginning to this day right here,” says Allen.
“I’ve had plenty of jobs, mostly customer service, it’s been a huge transition, but I’m so used to having two or three days of training and it’s like ‘Here you go. Message your supervisor. Figure it out.’ But here, its hands on. They take the time with you to learn, and I’m loving it,” says Bates.
One issue that continues to be discussed is South Carolina’s longstanding law prohibiting direct to consumer sales in vehicle manufacturing. Keogh hopes lawmakers will open up the possibility.
“Look, I’m also an optimist. I have no doubts we will navigate that in SC as well, but uh, one bridge at a time,” he says.
Keogh was also asked again about those who disapprove of Scout Motors choosing Charlotte, NC over a city in SC for its administrative headquarters.
“I have to be really honest here. I think that criticism is unfair and unfounded, and it doesn’t represent reality in my opinion. If you look at the amount of dollars and the amount invested, the simple answer is…South Carolina won,” says Keogh.
Early concept cars meant for testing are scheduled to be built at the end of 2026. Production on customer’s vehicles are scheduled to begin in 2028.
