SPARTANBURG, S.C. -

As it celebrated the 2 millionth vehicle produced at its South Carolina plant, BMW announced late last week that it is pumping close to $900 million into the factory and adding 300 jobs there this year.

BMW is expanding its X-model line and is building the new X4 at the Spartanburg plant, said Frank-Peter Arndt, who is the BMW Group board member responsible for production.

“With this investment, we will be able to produce 350,000 units here in the mid-term,” Arndt said. “This is one reaction to the rising global demand for our BMW X Models.”

Arndt was joined by other officials at the ceremony, including South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

“BMW has once again provided tremendous evidence that South Carolina is a blueprint for significant economic development success,” she said. “The partnership between this company and our state is an enduring example of how to attract, retain and grow business to stimulate perpetual job creation.”

By adding 300 new jobs, production capacity at the plant can climb to as much as 300,000 units, officials noted. The employee addition will bring the plant’s total employment close to 7,500 people.

Last year, 276,065 vehicles were built at the Palmetto State plant, and these cars were distributed throughout more than 130 global markets. According to BMW, 69.8 percent of the vehicles were exports.

As for the milestone car the company celebrated, it was a Vermillion Red Metallic X3 xDrive35i. The car was driven by BMW associate Terry Gardner with a trio of associates representing each of the plant technologies (body, paint and assembly) riding along.

The car will be kept on display at the facility.

"Two million vehicles have prepared our team well to meet the new opportunities that lie ahead for our plant. We look forward to a new model with great anticipation. For nearly 20 years, this team has always proven their steadfast commitment to producing quality vehicles for our customers around the world," stated Josef Kerscher, President of BMW Manufacturing.

"I am thrilled to celebrate the two millionth BMW today," said South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. "BMW’s impact on South Carolina’s economy and overall competitiveness is always worth celebrating. This new economic investment and commitment of jobs is a testament to South Carolina’s strong automotive manufacturing industry."