State-of-the-art ladder frame plant will create nearly 400 new jobs; groundbreaking ceremony set for December 8, 2025
Orangeburg, South Carolina — December 2, 2025 — The newly formed SODECIA AAPICO Joint Venture (SODECIA AAPICO JV) is pleased to announce that it will invest $120 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, to produce ladder frames for Scout Motors. The 400,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art plant will create nearly 400 new jobs.
SODECIA and AAPICO, both family-owned global automotive manufacturers, announced in May the establishment of a new strategic joint venture in the United States, combining their core strengths and capabilities to better serve a key customer in the automotive sector, Scout Motors, through the manufacture and supply of advanced ladder frames.
This new investment will enable SODECIA AAPICO JV to serve as a critical parts supplier for Scout Motors, the emerging automotive manufacturer that is revitalizing an iconic American brand and building its new Production Center in nearby Blythewood, South Carolina.
The SODECIA AAPICO Joint Venture will break ground on this new manufacturing facility on December 8, 2025. The new facility will feature top-of-the-art manufacturing technology, advanced automation, and energy-efficient systems designed to meet the highest global standards. Construction is expected to be completed during 2027.
The SODECIA AAPICO investment is projected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region by creating hundreds of high-quality jobs and strengthening the local automotive supply chain. The project is expected to attract additional suppliers and advance workforce development initiatives within Orangeburg County and the surrounding communities.
A Strategic Partnership with Global Strength
SODECIA is a global Tier 1 supplier headquartered in Portugal, operating across more than 40 locations in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. The company specializes in engineering and manufacturing innovative structural components, powertrain systems, and mechanisms for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.
AAPICO is a publicly listed Tier 1 automotive parts manufacturer based in Thailand with more than 30 years of industry experience. The company excels in the production of jigs, dies, press parts, chassis frame components, cradles, plastic parts, and forged and machined components.
AAPICO operates through 54 subsidiaries and associated companies across Thailand, Malaysia, China, and Portugal, supplying many of the leading Japanese OEMs in Asia.
SODECIA and AAPICO are recognized for their shared commitment to quality, modernization, technological advancement, operational excellence, and long-term partnerships with global automotive manufacturers. Their joint venture reflects a unified vision of innovation and responsiveness in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
By leveraging SODECIA’s global manufacturing expertise and AAPICO’s operational excellence and market agility, the new venture is strategically positioned to meet the precise needs of its customer while strengthening both companies’ roles as trusted global suppliers.
This partnership represents a significant milestone in the ongoing global expansion strategies of both organizations, highlighting their dedication to delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and timely solutions in North America.
Leadership Perspectives
“We are thrilled to take this important step toward expanding our footprint in the United States. With our joint resources and the strong confidence that Scout Motors has placed in both companies, success is our only goal.”
-AAPICO President and CEO Mr. Swee Chuan Yeap
“This project symbolizes the strength of collaboration. By combining the best of both companies, we are creating a world-class facility that will deliver value to our customer and long-term opportunities for the local community.”
-SODECIA CEO Mr. Rui Monteiro
“This announcement marks another important milestone as we work to build a robust, local supply chain for Scout Motors and create meaningful opportunities for South Carolinians. By investing in Orangeburg County, the Sodecia Aapico joint venture is bringing hundreds of new local jobs, strengthening this state’s thriving automotive ecosystem, and reinforcing our shared commitment to making high-quality Scout vehicles right here in South Carolina. We’re grateful to our partners and to the community for embracing our vision of growth and opportunity.”
– Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh
“Today’s announcement by Sodecia Aapico JV is another clear vote of confidence in South Carolina’s world-class workforce, and it will further strengthen our booming automotive industry. This announcement is also the latest example of Scout Motors’ arrival driving additional investment and job creation across our state, bringing even more opportunities and prosperity for our people.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster
“South Carolina’s strong reputation as an automotive powerhouse continues attracting investments from global companies. We are thrilled to welcome Sodecia Aapico JV, along with this substantial $120 million investment, to Orangeburg County and look forward to building a partnership with the company as it launches its legacy in our state.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Today is a strong moment for Orangeburg County. Sodecia Aapico JV bringing 392 new jobs and $120 million investment to our community means real opportunity for the people who live and work here. We appreciate companies that see value in Orangeburg County – our workforce, our location and our commitment to support industry. We welcome Sodecia Aapico JV and look forward to the positive impact this project will have for our residents.”
-Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright
About Sodecia
SODECIA is a global Tier 1 supplier, headquartered in Portugal, and operating in over 40 locations across Europe, North and South America, and Asia to the automotive industry, specialized in engineering and manufacturing of innovative structural components, powertrain systems, and mechanisms.
SODECIA is an industrial group founded in 1980,headquartered in Portugal, operating, in over 40 locations across Europe, North and South America, and Asia, as a full-service supplier to the automotive industry, specializing in the development and production of stamped components and assemblies, including chassis, powertrain systems, body-in-white (BiW) structures, safety systems, tooling, access and authorization solutions and other equipment. As a trusted partner of major OEMs around the world, SODECIA is committed to delivering integrated product solutions that meet the highest standards of performance, continuously adding value to customer challenges, exceeding expectations, and contributing to their long-term success.
About AAPICO
Founded in Thailand in 1996 by, a Malaysian, Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, AAPICO Hitech Plc. It is recognized as one of Thailand’s leading auto parts manufacturers and was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2002.
In addition to producing OEM auto parts, such as metal-forming parts, plastic parts, forging and machining parts, casting parts, and toolings, AAPICO also operates Mitsubishi and MG dealerships in Thailand, Honda and Proton dealerships in Malaysia, and engages in IoT connectivity and mobility businesses.
AAPICO Group’s esteemed clientele includes prominent and highly regarded automotive brands, as well as companies within related industries. These include Isuzu, Auto Alliance, Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Stellantis, Chery, Great Wall Motor, SAIC, BYD, Geely, Changan, VinFast and other global brands. AAPICO also supplies to Dana, American Axle, Continental, NTPT, Linamar, Magna, Schneider Electric, BorgWarner and other Tier 1 companies.
MEDIA CONTACT:
For Sodecia media inquiries, contact Mr. Armindo Jorge at
armindo.jorge@sodecia.com or call +351 937700182
For AAPICO Hitech PLC media inquiries, contact Ms. Pocharee Busrathepkul at
ir@aapico.com or call +66 2 613 1504
For Scout Motors media inquiries, contact Jamie Lovegrove at jamie.lovegrove@scoutmotors.com
