South Carolina Ports strengthens automotive supply chain connectivity as Isuzu prepares to launch truck manufacturing operations in Greenville County in 2027.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (October 23, 2026) — South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) has reached a major milestone in supporting Isuzu North America Corporation’s new manufacturing operations in Greenville County, South Carolina, with the arrival of the first container carrying production equipment for the automaker’s upcoming facility.
The shipment moved through the Port of Charleston before traveling by rail to Inland Port Greer, demonstrating the integrated logistics network that helped attract Isuzu’s investment in South Carolina.
Isuzu announced its decision to establish a new U.S. production base in Greenville County in 2025, selecting the location partly because of the reliable transportation connections between the Port of Charleston, Inland Port Greer and major Southeast markets.
The company’s new facility is expected to begin operations in 2027, producing N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric and F-Series Diesel trucks.
“SC Ports congratulates Isuzu on this milestone and looks forward to many more successful years as production begins,” said SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace. “Inland Port Greer is the gold standard for high volume, short-haul intermodal rail, which is why companies like Isuzu rely on SC Ports’ to support demanding supply chain needs.”
Inland Port Greer Supports Isuzu’s South Carolina Manufacturing Operations
Isuzu’s selection of Greenville County reinforces the growing importance of integrated port, rail and highway infrastructure in corporate site selection and automotive manufacturing investment.
Established in 2013, Inland Port Greer provides a direct rail connection to the Port of Charleston, allowing manufacturers and distributors to move imported materials and finished goods efficiently between the coast and South Carolina’s Upstate region.
Located along Interstate 85 between Atlanta and Charlotte, Inland Port Greer offers access to approximately 94 million consumers within a one-day truck drive.
The facility provides several operational advantages for manufacturers managing time-sensitive supply chains, including:
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Average truck turn times of approximately 11 minutes.
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Around-the-clock gate access, seven days a week.
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Overnight rail service provided by Norfolk Southern six days per week.
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Direct connectivity to the Port of Charleston and major Southeast distribution markets.
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Expanded cargo-handling capacity to accommodate growing industrial demand.
These capabilities are particularly important for automotive manufacturers, where consistent delivery of components and materials helps maintain production schedules and reduce transportation disruptions.
“Having a reliable and efficient supply chain is critical to our long-term success as we establish production operations in South Carolina,” said Isuzu Chairman and CEO Yoshi Murakami. “Inland Port Greer provides a strategic connection to the Port of Charleston, ensuring we quickly receive parts for production and benefit from direct access to global markets. We are excited to partner with South Carolina Ports and leverage this connectivity as we build for the future.”
$55 Million Inland Port Greer Expansion Increases Rail Capacity
To accommodate rising cargo volumes and increasing customer demand, SC Ports completed a $55 million expansion of Inland Port Greer in 2025.
The investment followed substantial growth at the facility, which experienced a 355% increase in activity during its first decade of operations.
The expansion included 9,000 feet of additional rail infrastructure and increased cargo-handling capacity by 50%.
With these improvements, Inland Port Greer can accommodate approximately 300,000 rail lifts annually, strengthening its ability to serve automotive manufacturers, industrial businesses and distribution operations throughout the region.
The additional rail infrastructure provides greater flexibility for cargo movement while supporting the growing demand for intermodal transportation in South Carolina.
For manufacturers such as Isuzu, the increased capacity and dependable rail connections are essential components of maintaining efficient production and inventory management.
Isuzu to Manufacture Gas, Electric and Diesel Trucks in Greenville County
Isuzu’s new South Carolina production facility will manufacture three commercial truck platforms, reflecting the company’s strategy to serve multiple segments of the North American transportation market.
The planned production lineup includes the N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric and F-Series Diesel trucks.
By establishing additional U.S. production capabilities, Isuzu aims to strengthen its North American manufacturing presence and support customer demand for commercial vehicles.
The Greenville County location provides access to South Carolina’s established automotive manufacturing ecosystem, including suppliers, logistics providers, transportation infrastructure and a skilled industrial workforce.
Production is scheduled to begin in 2027.
The arrival of the first container of manufacturing equipment marks an important step in preparing the facility for operations and establishing the international supply chain connections needed to support production.
SC Ports Leadership Meets with Isuzu Executives in Japan
As preparations continue for Isuzu’s South Carolina manufacturing operations, SC Ports leadership recently visited the automaker’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan.
SC Ports Director of Vessel Operations and Carrier Sales Tom Boyle and Chief Commercial Officer Byron Miller met with Isuzu representatives to discuss future collaboration and opportunities to strengthen transportation and logistics connections.
The visit reflects the ongoing relationship between South Carolina’s port system and international automotive manufacturers investing in the state.
Japan remains an important market for South Carolina’s automotive industry, with Japanese companies contributing to the state’s manufacturing, supplier and logistics networks.
The meeting also highlighted the role that global partnerships play in supporting foreign direct investment and international trade.
South Carolina Ports Strengthens Position as Automotive Logistics Hub
South Carolina Ports is among the nation’s five leading automotive ports, handling approximately 10% of all containerized automotive cargo volume in the United States, according to PIERS data cited by SC Ports.
South Carolina was also the leading U.S. exporter of completed passenger vehicles in 2025, further demonstrating the importance of the state’s automotive manufacturing and logistics industries.
The Port of Charleston and Inland Port Greer provide critical transportation connections for manufacturers moving components, equipment and finished products between domestic facilities and international markets.
According to SC Ports, its operations generate an estimated $44 billion in annual economic impact throughout South Carolina’s Upstate region and support approximately 132,000 regional jobs.
Statewide, port-related activity supports an estimated one in nine jobs.
These figures illustrate the role of port infrastructure in South Carolina’s broader economic development strategy, particularly as automotive and advanced manufacturing companies continue investing in the Southeast.
Port Infrastructure Drives Manufacturing Investment in South Carolina
Isuzu’s Greenville County investment demonstrates how transportation infrastructure can influence major manufacturing location decisions.
For automotive manufacturers and suppliers evaluating potential expansion sites, access to deepwater ports, intermodal rail facilities and major highways can significantly affect operating costs, delivery schedules and long-term competitiveness.
South Carolina’s coordinated port and inland logistics network provides a transportation platform for companies seeking access to domestic and international markets.
The continued expansion of Inland Port Greer, combined with investments in the Port of Charleston, supports the state’s ability to accommodate growing freight volumes and complex industrial supply chains.
As Isuzu prepares to begin manufacturing operations in 2027, the arrival of its first production equipment shipment marks another step forward for Greenville County’s industrial development and South Carolina’s automotive sector.
About South Carolina Ports
South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon.
Ranked as the eighth-largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects manufacturers, distributors and other port-dependent businesses to global markets through marine terminals, rail transportation and highway infrastructure.
The organization provides cargo-handling services, container terminal capacity, intermodal rail connections and access to the deepest harbor in the Southeast.
For more information, visit South Carolina Ports.
