Granite Countertops in Columbia, SC

*Planned media availability Monday, March 6 at 10:00 AM*

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Scout Motors Inc. (“Scout”) is establishing its first manufacturing plant in Blythewood, which is near Columbia, South Carolina. At the Richland County site, the company will build all-electric, next-generation trucks and rugged SUVs harkening back to the iconic Scout vehicles produced from 1960 to 1980. The company’s $2 billion investment has the potential to create 4,000 or more permanent jobs. At full capacity, more than 200,000 Scout vehicles may be produced annually at the facility.

“Scout Motors will provide thousands of South Carolinians with previously unimagined opportunities and prosperity for generations to come,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “The Palmetto State, with its rich history, superior people, and sterling automotive manufacturing reputation, is the perfect place to re-start this iconic American brand.”

Scout trucks and rugged SUVs will be built on a newly designed all-electric platform that delivers credible capability and off-road prowess. With internal engineering focused on attributes including ground clearance, approach angles, robust axles, payload capacity, all-electric range and new digital features, Scout products will honor its heritage while injecting fresh American ingenuity to create a new era of iconic all-purpose vehicles.

“We’re honored to partner with South Carolina to usher in this new era for Scout,” said President and CEO of Scout Motors Scott Keogh. “Scout has been an American icon since introducing an SUV in 1960. It's the vehicle that took your family on a camping trip, that gave access to the great outdoors, and that showed up on the job site every morning. Today, we’re reimagining Scout’s original ingenuity and electrifying its future. We’re bringing the Scout spirit to South Carolina and it's going to be a hell of a ride.”

Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, Scout was formed to craft all-electric trucks and SUVs rooted in the same tradition that made the original Scout vehicle an American icon. The company is revitalizing a legend and returning manufacturing to American shores.

The Blythewood Industrial Site, off Interstate 77, spans approximately 1,600 acres, with the plant itself occupying 1,100 acres. Vehicle production is targeted to begin by the end of 2026.

Scout Motors is an independent U.S. company, backed by Volkswagen Group, with an experienced Board of Directors, including Dr. Gernot Doellner, Head of Group Strategy at Volkswagen AG, and Peter Bosch, Member of the Bentley Motors Board for Manufacturing. Scout is currently evaluating the potential for outside investment.

Individuals interested in joining the Scout team should visit readySC’s recruitment website to explore opportunities. Companies interested in becoming a supplier for the company should complete S.C. Commerce’s online interest form.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES

“Entering the market with an EV-based vehicle like Scout is a bold move – one that will help our state achieve a sustained future. We welcome Scout Motors and appreciate the company’s confidence and commitment to take this bold journey with South Carolina.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“South Carolina is a mecca for the world’s greatest manufacturing companies. Scout Motors’ announcement today not only confirms, but enhances this reputation. I’m proud to call them one of our own.”-President of the South Carolina Senate Thomas Alexander

“South Carolina’s greatest asset is our people. Scout Motors recognized this and wanted to become part of our storied manufacturing history. Welcome to South Carolina and thank you for making a generational investment in our State.”-Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Harvey S. Peeler, Jr.

“Scout Motors’ commitment to such a significant economic investment – among the largest South Carolina has ever seen – is an exciting development for a well-deserving region of our state. This announcement is a fitting affirmation of the House’s dedication to advancing workforce and economic development initiatives. This commitment will truly be transformative to not only the Midlands, but to the entire state, and will provide opportunity for decades and generations to come.”-Speaker of the House of Representatives Murrell Smith

“This exciting announcement highlights South Carolina’s position as a world leader in the automotive manufacturing industry. Today was made possible in part by our state’s economic and fiscal health, thanks to years of conservative policy and budgeting. This has put our state in a position to not only attract but secure leading industry investment. I’m looking forward to a prosperous partnership with Scout Motors.”-Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee Bruce Bannister

“This proposed manufacturing facility marks a major milestone in the history of Richland County and the potential for our most significant economic development project to date. This decision represents a transformational breakthrough that would position us at the forefront of the clean energy future while promising to boost the quality of life for residents across our county for generations to come.”-Richland County Council Chair Overture Walker

“Richland County has spent years laying the groundwork for today’s historic announcement, and we are thrilled that Scout shares our view that this area is the ideal location for a world-class company to plant its flag. With our supportive business development network, vibrant workforce, culture of innovation, and connectivity to key strategic hubs, Richland County has created a strong economic foundation that Scout would be able to build upon in the years to come.”-Richland County Economic Development Office Director Jeff Ruble

“We are thrilled to welcome Scout Motors to the town of Blythewood. This historic investment will bring thousands of jobs, economic growth and opportunity to our local community. We are honored to have been selected for this exciting new venture. We look forward to working closely with our partners, community members and other stakeholders to ensure the success of this project and to build a bright future for our town and our region.” -Mayor of Blythewood Bryan S. Franklin

“To say today’s announcement by Scout Motors is exciting would be a dramatic understatement. The investment being made by Scout Motors is one for the history books for Richland County, its people and the surrounding communities. As we congratulate the company and our partners in the county on this transformative news, we also look forward to the revival of this iconic American brand.”-Central SC Alliance Chairman Matthew Shaffer

FIVE FAST FACTS

ATTENTION MEDIA:

Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh, Governor Henry McMaster and Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey will host a virtual media roundtable at 10 a.m., Monday, March 6, 2023. Media is encouraged to attend for access to the three leaders and to learn more about this announcement. Details are below.

ZOOM MEETING ACCESS:

Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89730658457?pwd=VnNJVVBaRVQ4ZmFaYTJTeUZsTWgxdz09 Meeting ID: 897 3065 8457 Passcode: 26705

COLUMBIA — Volkswagen subsidiary Scout Motors will build a $2 billion electric vehicle manufacturing plant in the Columbia suburb of Blythewood, adding to South Carolina’s growing portfolio of businesses tied to next-generation cars.

Scout will employ 4,000 workers as part of the record-breaking deal for Richland County, which coming off a series of recent large economic-development deals including an $800 million solar panel manufacturing plant and a $490 million brewery from the maker of White Claw Hard Seltzer.

“This is the biggest development news for the Midlands since the capital was moved here in 1786,” S.C. Rep. Micah Caskey, R-West Columbia, tweeted.

Scout makes electric pickups and SUVs. The plant will produce 200,000 vehicles annually, according to a statement from the Gov. Henry McMaster’s office.

The plant will take up 1,100 acres of the 1,600-acre Blythewood Industrial Site off Interstate 77. Production is expected to begin by the end of 2026.

“The impact this will have on our local economy cannot be overstated: this is historic and transformative,” House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford, D-Columbia, said in a statement.

Blythewood Mayor Bryan Franklin, whose town was the state’s fifth-fastest growing in the past decade, said Scout was bringing a “historic investment (that) will bring thousands of jobs, economic growth and opportunity to our local community.”

Scout vehicles have been on U.S. roads before. The International Harvester company, known mostly for trucks and tractors, made SUVs and pickups in the 1960s and ’70s with the Scout badge, a vehicle still treasured by some collectors of classic off-road sport-utilities. VW now owns the Scout brand and has been planning its revival with a U.S. plant.

The Volkswagen Group announced the re-launch of Scout as an all-electric vehicle line in May 2022, hoping to break into the growing electric truck and SUV market.

“After Volkswagen’s successful turnaround in the U.S., we are now taking the opportunity to further strengthen our position in one of the most significant growth markets for EVs. Electrification provides a historic opportunity to enter the highly attractive pick-up and R-SUV segment as a Group, underscoring our ambition to become a relevant player in the U.S. market,” Volkswagen AG CEO Herbert Diess said at the time.

The electric vehicle industry has been boosted nationwide by a number of federal tax credits and loan programs included in the Biden Administration’s climate bill signed in August 2022.

Included were $2 billion in grants to repurpose traditional auto plants into making electric vehicles and up to $20 billion more in loans to build new factories. And production tax credits for batteries and their components could offset more than a third of the cost of battery packs made in the United States.

South Carolina is becoming a leader in the nation’s EV industry, with its top vehicle manufacturers making the shift to the production of battery powered cars.

This is the fourth auto manufacturer to build electric vehicles in South Carolina, joining Mercedes, Volvo and Volvo subsidiary Polestar, all outside of Charleston, and BMW in Greer.

BMW last year announced it is investing $1.7 billion to make EVs and batteries in the Upstate and Volvo Cars in the Lowcountry has pledged to build only battery-powered cars by 2030. Mercedes-Benz will also build its new eSprinter, an all-electric cargo van, in North Charleston starting this year.

Those companies have lured dozens of suppliers and ancillary companies, including Japan-based battery maker Envision AESC, locating in Florence County, and Nevada’s Redwood Materials, which is building a $3.5 billion battery recycling plant in Berkeley County.

Longtime Lowcountry manufacturer Robert Bosch also announced a $260 million update to its Dorchester County plant to build electric motors. And Proterra Inc., which makes batteries for commercial trucks, buses and heavy equipment, opened a facility in Greer.

Richland County continues to chase at least one other electric vehicle related company. An unnamed maker of electric vehicle battery components, known only by a codename “Project Viper,” could open a $323 million manufacturing plant on 206 acres south of Columbia in the Pineview Industrial Park, where it is expected to employ 310 people, according to county documents.

“This proposed (Scout) manufacturing facility marks a major milestone in the history of Richland County and the potential for our most significant economic development project to date,” Richland County Council Chairman Overture Walker said in a statement. “This decision represents a transformational breakthrough that would position us at the forefront of the clean energy future.”

McMaster has made it a priority to attract electric vehicle and EV parts manufacturers to the state, launching a website scpowersev.com highlighting the industry potential in the state.

“Scout Motors will provide thousands of South Carolinians with previously unimagined opportunities and prosperity for generations to come,” the governor said in a statement.

Mike Fitts contributed from Columbia and and David Wren contributed from Charleston.

COLUMBIA, SC – The North Carolina A&T softball team lost a heartbreaker on Friday afternoon during the first day of the Gamecock Classic hosted by the University of South Carolina (USC) at Carolina Softball Stadium.

The Columbia Lions rallied to score four runs in the home half of the sixth to defeat A&T 9-8. Earlier in the day, the Aggies lost to the University of Illinois 4-0. A&T dropped to 2-15 on the season. Against the Lions, Freshman Sierra Baldwin went 3-for-4 with a run scored, a double and three RBI. Senior Latianna Langley had a 2-for-4 day with an RBI and a run scored.

The Lions and the Aggies had three ties and six lead changes in their game. The game went into the visitor's sixth tied at 5. Langley opened the frame for A&T with a single. She stole second and moved to third on a throwing error by catcher Maddy Rifenberick. Junior Alyxx Estrada put runners on the corners when she walked, leading the Lions to put first baseman Sarah Mikami in the circle to face Katriel Williams.

Mikami walked Williams to load the bases with no outs before forcing in a run by walking Deziannaa Patmon to give the Aggies a 6-5 lead. Baldwin then singled to left to score Williams and Estrada. Patmon advanced to third on an error on the play, and Baldwin went to second as the Aggies took an 8-5 lead.

A&T's rally kept going when Kendall Macauley walked to load the bases again with no outs. But Baldwin was called out for leaving base early. Then, Macauley was tagged out in a rundown. Then, with Patmon still on third, Kayla Taylor walked, and a pitch hit Makayla Layton to load the bases a third time in the inning. But A&T's inning finally ended with a Camryn Caldwell ground out.

But unfortunately, the Aggies opened Columbia sixth by making an error to allow Mikami to reach base. Back-to-back singles from Eleni Katsivalis and Maddie Souza led to an RBI single for Souza that scored Mikami to cut A&T's lead to 8-6. The Lions loaded the bases when Kayla Douglas hit Rifenberick with a pitch.

Megan Ryono then hit a two-run RBI single to left field to tie the game at 8 as Souza and Katsivalis scored. Freshman Megan Ellis replaced Douglas in the circle before Jaden Hill loaded the bases again with a bunt single. Raquel Reyes hit into a fielder's choice that forced Ryono out going to third, but Rifenberick scored on the play to give the Lions a 9-8 lead. Ellis retired the final two batters she faced to send the Aggies into the ninth.

But the Aggies went down in order in the ninth as Mikami (1-2) got the win, and Reyes got the save. Douglas (0-6) got the loss. Katsivalis led the Lions by going 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Ryono and Reyes had two RBI apiece.

Sophomore Joey Barkhimer had a strong showing in the circle against the Illini as she went six innings, striking out two and giving up three earned runs. The Aggies were two-hit by Illinois' Addy Jarvis (2-0) as she struck out 10.

It’s not every day you see a 40-foot fire hydrant carried down the streets of downtown Columbia — or anywhere, for that matter.

The “Busted Plug” sculpture, an iconic piece of public art by artist Blue Sky, was moved from its longtime home on Taylor Street on Thursday.

Bucket truck crews had to lift up power lines as a flatbed carried the core of the hydrant along Taylor and Bull streets. Traffic backed up on all sides of the intersection around lunchtime, and cars honked as the sculpture made its way through the streets on the hot day.

The sculpture is being moved after a new owner purchased the property it has sat on since 2001. Sky, a well-known Columbia artist, also created the “Tunnelvision” mural on the building behind Busted Plug’s longtime spot.

The sculpture was gifted to the city as public property in 2012. Its future home is uncertain. It is being moved to a temporary location until the city decides where to display or store the sculpture permanently.

Lee Snelgrove is the arts and culture manager at Richland Library and is the former director of arts advocacy agency One Columbia, where he spent years working to bolster public art in the capital city. He was on the scene Thursday morning as crews hoisted the “Busted Plug” hydrant out of its longtime spot on Taylor Street and loaded it on a truck to be hauled to storage.

Snelgrove said “Busted Plug” has long been a notable piece of public art downtown, one that drew conversation and curiosity with its size and scale.

“It is iconic to Columbia,” Snelgrove said. “I’ve thought about that over the last few days and my whole career in public art. I think it is iconic for its scale. It is large, it is prominent. Whether people like it as an art piece, it is just ever-present in your experience in Columbia. Its scale is really part of what makes it an iconic piece.

“Hopefully it continues to have a long life as part of the Columbia landscape.”

Snelgrove added that there also is a certain whimsy to “Busted Plug,” which adds to its status as a long talked-about art piece in the capital city.

As noted by One Columbia’s public art directory, “Busted Plug” was unveiled on Feb. 18, 2001, in the 1400 block of Taylor Street downtown. The piece is four stories tall and weighs a whopping 675,000 pounds, per the directory, and it was designed with the strength to withstand a tornado. Sky proposed the piece to the city in 1999, and it took 14 months to complete, from the initial architectural drafting through construction.

On Thursday afternoon, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann said a site for relocation of “Busted Plug” has not yet been chosen, but he said he is hopeful it might find a home near the river. He said the city has some flexibility in terms of where the new site could be.

Rickenmann said that Finlay Park — long a rumored possible home for “Busted Plug” during relocation talks through the years — is not likely to be its next home.

Rickenmann, who is in his first term as mayor after a long run on City Council, noted “Busted Plug’s” prominence among the city’s public art inventory.

“I think it is a great piece of art and it is going to find a new home,” Rickenmann said. “Sometimes things have to move. ... I think we are going to find a great, prominent space for it and that, at the end of the day, people are going to be happy with it.”

The mayor said when “Busted Plug” does land in a new spot it will give the public a chance to celebrate the piece. Rickenmann said the hope is to make the fountain function of the piece operational once again.

At-large City Councilman Howard Duvall said he did not know where the art piece’s future home might be. However, he noted it was long a popular gathering spot on Taylor Street.

“I think it is an attraction,” Duvall said. “I have gone by Taylor Street at all times during the day and night, and there’s usually somebody out there taking a picture of themselves in front of ‘Busted Plug.’ So, I hope we find a good home for it that will be accessible to people visiting the city.”

Snelgrove said there have been off-and-on talks at the city for years about moving “Busted Plug.” He said he understands why it needs to be moved and that public art, after all, changes over time and is not sedentary.

Still, he said he wishes there had been more public conversation from the city recently about the ultimate fate of the 675,000-pound art piece, so that the public would know what is going to happen to the piece and feel like they were a part of the changes.

While it remains to be seen where the fire hydrant installation ultimately will end up, it has certainly been an indelible piece of downtown’s visual landscape for more than two decades and a wonder for residents and visitors alike. As noted by One Columbia’s public art directory, while at least two other cities in North America claim to have the world’s largest fire hydrant, “Busted Plug” is “taller than both structures by over 10 feet and heavier by many thousands of pounds.”

This story was originally published February 23, 2023, 12:00 PM.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Former mayor of Columbia Stephen Benjamin is heading to the White House.

President Biden announced Monday, Stephen Benjamin is joining his staff as the Director of the Office of Public Engagement and an advisor.

Benjamin will be replacing former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms who will be leaving the role at the end of March.

In this role, Benjamin will oversee the White House Office of Public Engagement. It works at the local, state, and national levels to ensure community leaders, diverse perspectives, and new voices have the opportunity to inform the work of the President in an inclusive, transparent, and responsible way.

“Mayor Benjamin is a longtime public servant, who has served the people of South Carolina for over two decades statewide and as a three-term mayor of Columbia. As a former President of both the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the African American Mayors Association, Steve’s deep relationships with communities across the country will serve our Administration and the American public well,” said Biden in a statement.

Benjamin began his public service career in Columbia as student body president of the University of South Carolina and later as Student Bar Association President at the USC School of Law.

Benjamin served the city of Columbia as a mayor in 2010. In February 2021, Benjamin finished his term and decided to not seek re-election to focus on spending time with his daughter and growing his law practice, The Benjamin Firm, LLC.

Prior to his service as mayor, Benjamin served in South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges’ cabinet as the Chief Executive of the state’s second-largest law enforcement agency, the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services.

Benjamin’s wife, Judge DeAndrea Benjamin, was recently confirmed to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.

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