(July 2, 2010) SPARTANBURG, S.C. —BMW Manufacturing announced today it will bring on board more than 500 new employees in the next few months to get ready for production of the next generation BMW X3.

This workforce increase also prepares Plant Spartanburg to meet growing demand of other models currently being produced for worldwide markets. The company said workers being hired under this process will be eligible for health, dental, 401(k) and vacation benefits.

These actions are part of the overall start-up plan of the $750 million plant expansion that is nearing completion and will begin production this fall. Paint and body shop expansions, as well as the construction of a new assembly hall, were announced in March 2008. 
These additions are proceeding on schedule and are a part of the company’s growing commitment to production in the U.S. When completed, the plant in Spartanburg will begin 2011 with an expanded capacity of over 200,000 vehicles a year.

“We are pleased to report that the BMW X5 and X6 vehicles produced in our Spartanburg plant are selling very well around the world, so we are adjusting our staffing levels to accommodate the increased global market demand, as well as prepare for the upcoming launch of the all new X3 sports activity vehicle,” said Josef Kerscher, president, BMW Manufacturing Co. in Spartanburg.

BMW’s production strategy is demand-driven in response to confirmed customer orders. This means that external market conditions dictate the production schedule and BMW’s contract staffing model has been a key to successfully maintaining this practice. Others in the industry are adopting this model, as well, since it gives the flexibility to quickly adapt to changing market conditions, BMW said in a press release.