SCOUT MOTORS UPDATE AT DOKO MANOR IN BLYTHEWOOD

by Javar Juarez 

Thursday April 4th, 2024 - Blythewood, SC. 

On April 4th, 2024, a pivotal community meeting took place at Doko Manor, featuring a mix of political and corporate figures, including Senator Tameika Isaac Devine, outgoing District 22 Senator Mia McLeod,  SC House Rep. Kambrell Garvin, Richland County Councilman Derrek Pugh, Councilwoman Gretchen Baron, and members of the small business community. This assembly highlighted the intense scrutiny surrounding the Scout Motors project for some neighbors, particularly in light of recent state-issued violations concerning the site. Following reports this spring of a muddy, silt-clouded creek and pond in the area, state inspectors discovered that dams and basins intended to keep sediment on the site had failed and that trucks leaving the site were dispersing sediment off the property, according to the South Carolina state Department of Health and Environmental Control whose representatives were not present at tonights meeting.

Scout Motors, with a heritage tracing back to the 1960s under International Harvester, has been at the forefront of innovation, predating rivals like the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco. The company is in the throes of redefining its brand identity, with aspirations to remain a century-long industry staple. 

The meeting shed light on Scout Motors’ ambitious employment plans, projecting the creation of 3,500 blue-collar and 500 white-collar jobs in Blythewood, encompassing roles from maintenance specialists to production planning engineers. Yet, there remains a gap in how Scout intends to leverage its influence for the benefit of inner-city populations. "We need to be intentional" stated Senator Mia McLeod "I think this is going to have a tremendous impact on District 22 and District 19."I want to make sure South Carolinians benefit from this project, I don't want us to continue to bring people from out of state to take advantage of all the high paying jobs." Senator McLeod spoke about the current efforts spearheaded by Republicans in the statehouse to roll back support of public education which she acknowledged "will have a negative impact on our ability to have a skilled work force and draw from the citizens, the residents that are here."

Focusing on electric vehicles (EVs), Scout Motors is poised to capture a significant market share with its rugged SUVs and full-size pickups, addressing a gap in affordable EV options. Blair Anderson vice president of government and regulatory affairs for Scout Motors, emphasized the project's role in bolstering American infrastructure and the expansion of the EV charging network. All of which is poised to create even greater opportunities for the region. 

The choice of Blythewood, South Carolina, was attributed to favorable conditions set by elected officials and the state’s readiness for production. Early construction phases are underway, with plans to start vehicle production by 2026 and market release by 2027. This gives potential workers the chance to prepare themselves for long term career opportunities including taking advantage of classes offered at Midlands Technical College, SCOUT has formed its own ReadySC team embarking on its mission to map out the training and recruitment strategy that will equip South Carolina’s workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to drive Scout Motors' success, according to its website.

Environmental concerns were also addressed in breakout sessions with SCOUT leadership, with criticisms over the method of clearing land by burning trees, potentially impacting resident health. SCDOT infrastructure enhancements were discussed, including a new I-77 exit and a US 21 connector, aim to support the project and facilitate regional growth. However, these developments bring their own set of challenges and community impacts, particularly in terms of construction timelines and traffic management. 

In summary, the community meeting illuminated the complexities of the Scout Motors project, balancing economic promise against environmental and infrastructural considerations. As Scout Motors advances, its ability to integrate community benefits and environmental stewardship into its expansion strategy remains a focal point of public interest.