TO COMMEND BMW MANUFACTURING IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY ON ITS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO CONGRATULATE THE COMPANY ON THE PRODUCTION OF ITS THREE MILLIONTH VEHICLE.

Whereas, it is altogether fitting and proper that the members of the South Carolina Senate should pause in their deliberations to express profound appreciation to BMW Manufacturing for its significant contributions to the Palmetto State and to congratulate the company on the production of its three millionth vehicle; and

Whereas, BMW is a leading manufacturer of premium automobiles for a worldwide market, and the BMW Manufacturing facility in Spartanburg County is the company's only assembly plant in the United States; and

Whereas, BMW Manufacturing recently reached the very noteworthy milestone of having produced three million vehicles since it began operations in September 1994; and

Whereas, producing passenger vehicles with an export value of approximately $9.2 billion annually to more than 140 global markets, BMW Manufacturing has made South Carolina the leading exporter of automobiles in the United States; and

Whereas, a valued corporate citizen in the Palmetto State, BMW Manufacturing employs approximately eight thousand people and greatly contributes to South Carolina's economy, tax base, employment rate, and public education system, especially in the field of automobile engineering. Its annual golf tournament has raised over $10.8 million for numerous charities since 2001; and

Whereas, in March 2014, the German automaker signaled its continued commitment to its South Carolina operations when it announced a plan to invest $1 billion into the Spartanburg County facility to boost annual production capacity to 450,000 cars by 2016 and create an expected 800 new jobs when completed, bringing the total number of workers at the Spartanburg plant to 8,800; and

Whereas, the partnership between South Carolina and BMW is one about which the State cherishes and makes every effort to foster. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, commend BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg County on its many contributions to the State of South Carolina and congratulate the company on the production of its three millionth vehicle.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Manfred Erlacher, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMW Manufacturing.