SC Ports handles first Isuzu shipment for new US production facility
South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) has handled the first container of production equipment destined for Isuzu North America Corporation’s new manufacturing facility in Greenville County, marking an operational milestone ahead of the planned start of production in 2027.
The shipment arrived through the Port of Charleston before moving inland to Inland Port Greer, demonstrating the intermodal connection supporting the Japanese truck manufacturer’s expansion in the United States.
Isuzu selected Greenville County for its new production base in 2025, with access to established port and rail infrastructure among the factors influencing the location decision. The facility is expected to manufacture N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric and F-Series Diesel trucks.
Inland Port Greer supports automotive supply chains
Inland Port Greer provides a rail-served connection between the Port of Charleston and industrial customers across the southeastern United States. Operating since 2013, the facility serves manufacturers and logistics companies along the Interstate 85 corridor between Atlanta and Charlotte.
The inland port underwent a US$55 million expansion completed in 2025, following substantial growth in cargo activity during its first decade of operations.
The project added 9,000 feet of rail infrastructure and increased cargo-handling capacity by 50%, bringing the facility’s annual capacity to 300,000 rail lifts.
According to SC Ports, Inland Port Greer recorded 355% growth during its first ten years of operation, contributing to the decision to expand its infrastructure.
The terminal offers round-the-clock gate access and overnight rail connections operated by Norfolk Southern six days per week. SC Ports also reports average truck turn times of approximately 11 minutes.
Its location provides access to an estimated 94 million consumers within a one-day truck journey, supporting distribution networks and manufacturers operating just-in-time supply chains.
Isuzu prepares for production in 2027
The arrival of the first equipment container represents an initial step in establishing the logistics arrangements required for Isuzu’s new South Carolina manufacturing operation.
The company plans to begin production in 2027, with the facility expected to manufacture several truck models, including electric and conventional powertrain variants.
Yoshi Murakami, Chairman and CEO of Isuzu, highlighted the importance of reliable supply chain connections as the company prepares to establish its manufacturing operations in the state.
SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace welcomed the shipment milestone and pointed to Inland Port Greer’s role in supporting industrial customers through short-haul intermodal rail services.
SC Ports officials also recently met representatives of Isuzu’s parent company at its headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, to discuss potential future cooperation.
The port authority reports that its facilities handle approximately 10% of containerised automotive cargo volumes in the United States, citing PIERS data.
The Isuzu shipment highlights the role of Charleston’s maritime connections and Inland Port Greer’s rail infrastructure in supporting industrial investment across South Carolina.
With the inland terminal’s capacity expansion already completed, the new manufacturing project is expected to become another source of cargo demand as Isuzu prepares to begin production next year.
