The deciding factors in Volvo\u2019s decision to build its first North American manufacturing plant near tiny Ridgeville \u201d\u201d population 2,000 or so \u201d\u201d have by now become a familiar economic development tune: a nearby seaport that\u2019s efficient and quality workforce training.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s what convinced Daimler AG in March to build a campus in North Charleston that will make the company\u2019s popular Sprinter vans. On Monday, Lex Kerssemakers, CEO of Volvo\u2019s American operations, said the Swedish automaker was lured to South Carolina by the same song.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the main criteria is accessibility overseas,\u201d\u009d Kerssemakers said, explaining why Volvo chose the spot along Interstate 26 in Berkeley County, about 30 miles from the Port of Charleston. \u201cAnd we think we will get a good pool of workers. We can make use of an already established recruiting and training program. That makes us feel very confident.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n