Home Care In Woodruff, SC

Woodruff, S.C. The BMW Group took a major step on Tuesday towards building electric vehicles in the United States as it broke ground for a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff, South Carolina. Named “Plant Woodruff,” the BMW facility will produce sixth-generation batteries to supply fully electric vehicles at nearby BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. More than 300 jobs will be created onsite at Plant Woodruff with the opportunity to grow.

“We're making the BMW Group electric. Our new battery assembly plant in Woodruff will soon play an important role in our electric future here in the USA,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources and Real Estate. “Through the Woodruff plant, we expand our footprint in the state of South Carolina. At the same time, we are taking our associates with us in this transformation. Our new Technical Training Center at the Spartanburg plant will prepare our 11,000 associates for the future. In this way, we are taking responsibility as a reliable employer and offer future-proof jobs at the same time.”

“Today’s groundbreaking is the start of a new era at Plant Spartanburg as we prepare to produce fully electric BMW X models for the world,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “The road to the future begins here in Woodruff as we build on our legacy of producing high-quality vehicles right here in the U.S. Plant Woodruff will be state-of-the-art in terms of sustainability, flexibility, and digitalization.”

Last October, BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse announced a new $1.7 billion investment in its U.S. operations, including $1 billion to prepare Plant Spartanburg for the production of fully electric vehicles and $700 million to build a new high-voltage battery assembly plant. The Woodruff facility, located on 315 acres near the city, will be more than one million square feet in size that includes construction of a technology building and support buildings such as a cafeteria, fire department, and energy center.

“I am proud to celebrate BMW’s groundbreaking for Plant Woodruff. This new high-voltage battery assembly factory once again proves that South Carolina is a leader in the EV industry and furthers our reputation as an automotive powerhouse,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with BMW as they continue to help move South Carolina forward.”

“BMW continuously recognizes the many possibilities of doing business in South Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “The company’s innovation, fueled by the highly skilled workforce that our state provides, means Plant Woodruff will help drive future growth that will impact the entire state. Congratulations, BMW!”

BMW Group’s “Local for Local” Principle

As part of the BMW Group’s “local for local” approach, the company will purchase battery cells for its electric vehicles from partner AESC, which is building a new 30 GWh battery cell factory in Florence, South Carolina, with BMW as its first customer. AESC broke ground for its new plant on June 7. They will produce newly developed round lithium-ion battery cells, specifically designed for the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. The new battery format will increase energy density by more than 20 percent and improve charging speed and range by up to 30 percent. At the same time, CO₂ emissions from cell production will be reduced by up to 60 percent through the partial use of secondary lithium, cobalt, and nickel material, as well as renewable energy for production.

Battery cells produced at the AESC facility in Florence will be shipped to Plant Woodruff, where the cells will be used to manufacture batteries for fully electric BMW X models at Plant Spartanburg. By 2030, Plant Spartanburg will build at least six fully electric BMWs.

Upskilling the BMW Workforce.

The new BMW Technical Training Center (TTC), which opened in October, will play a critical role in preparing associates to build fully electric vehicles. Plant Spartanburg already produces three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles – the BMW X3 xDrive30e, BMW X5 xDrive50e, and the BMW XM – and several hundred associates already have EV training. The TTC will be at the center of all EV training for North and South America to ensure associates master the skills to set new industry standards.

“Our job is to put together a toolbox for our associates that will be the foundation for a full and satisfying career at BMW,” said Sherry McCraw, vice president of Human Resources. “We must capitalize on our team’s existing skill sets, support them with the appropriate training, and ensure they are well equipped for the EV journey ahead.”

Using Sustainable Methods at Plant Woodruff

The BMW Group’s philosophy of promoting sustainability in all its facilities will be promoted at the Woodruff plant as well. This was important in the building’s design and use of equipment. Some of the innovations include:

Since 1992, the BMW Group has invested nearly $12.4 billion in its South Carolina operations. BMW Manufacturing is the largest BMW Group plant in the world, producing more than 1,500 vehicles each day. The plant is an important part of BMW’s global production network and plays a critical role in meeting the high demand for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes in the U.S. and around the world. Nearly 60 percent of its vehicles are shipped to about 120 global markets, making BMW the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States for nine consecutive years. In 2022, approximately 60 percent of BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. came from Plant Spartanburg. The model portfolio includes six top-selling BMW X models, five Motorsport X models, and three plug-in hybrid electric vehicle X models. The factory has an annual production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles and employs more than 11,000 people.

BMW Group broke ground Tuesday, June 27, on a new $700 million, high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff.

The plant will produce battery assemblies for BMW's fully electric vehicles made at Plant Spartanburg.

The new 1 million-square-foot facility, located on a 315-acre former peach farm along S.C. Highway 101, is expected to be operational by 2026. The facility will include a cafeteria, fire department and energy center.

More than 300 jobs are expected to be created at Plant Woodruff, according to BMW.

McMaster, BMW executives speak at Plant Woodruff groundbreaking

BMW executives and South Carolina dignitaries spoke at the groundbreaking including Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing; Gov. Henry McMaster; Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey and Ilka Horstmeier of BMW AG's Board of Management. Other speakers included U.S. Rep. William Timmons, R-4th District; Spartanburg County Councilman Manning Lynch; and Woodruff Mayor Kenneth Gist.

"We are breaking ground for our future," Engelhorn said. "Our work at BMW drives our legacy and builds our future. This is what will drive Plant Woodruff."

Lynch said, "BMW's ongoing commitment is evident, and has made a tremendously positive impact on Spartanburg County."

Gist said, "Today we break ground on a facility that will be transformative to our city. We are a very passionate community with a rich past. But make no mistake, we are ready for the future."

Last October, Germany-based BMW Group announced a $1.7 billion capital investment to begin building all-electric vehicles for the U.S. and world markets at its North America manufacturing plant near Greer in Spartanburg County.

The investment includes $1 billion to prepare the Spartanburg plant for production and $700 million to build a high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff.

BMW plans to manufacture plug-in hybrids, 'highly efficient' vehicles

At the October announcement, BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse said BMW plans to continue to manufacture plug-in hybrids and "highly efficient" combustion engine vehicles as well.

Zipse said BMW also entered a multi-year partnership with Japan-based Envision AESC to build a new 1.5 million-square-foot battery cell plant in Florence County. Groundbreaking for the Florence County plant was held on June 7. Production is expected to start in 2026 and add 1,170 new jobs.

Also last October, the new $20 million BMW Technical Training Center opened, where BMW employees are being trained to build fully electric vehicles.

On Tuesday, Engelhorn said battery cells produced at the AESC facility in Florence will be shipped to Plant Woodruff, where the cells will be used in battery assemblies for the fully electric BMW X models at Plant Spartanburg.

BMW: Plant Woodruff will use 100% green electricity

The battery cells to be produced by Envision AESC at its Florence plant will be designed to increase energy density by more than 20% and improve charging speed and range by up to 30%, according to BMW. At the same time, carbon dioxide emissions from cell production will be reduced by up to 60% through the partial use of secondary lithium, cobalt and nickel.

Plant Woodruff will be operated without fossil fuels and will use 100% green electricity with the installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system, according to Engelhorn. Carbon dioxide emissions per vehicle across the life cycle will fall by 40% by 2030, according to BMW.

The Woodruff plant will also use LED lighting and sensors with dimming to reduce energy consumption, as well as harvest and use rainwater to reduce water consumption.

Plant Spartanburg already produces three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles – the BMW X3 xDrive30e; BMW X5 xDrive50e; and the BMW XM.

Last year, about 60% of BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. came from Plant Spartanburg. The factory employs more than 11,000 people and has a production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles a year.

BMW Manufacturing is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany, and is the global producer of the BMW X3, X3 M, X5, X5 M and X7 sports activity vehicles; the BMW X4, X4 M, X6 and X6 M sports activity coupes, and the all-new XM.

Are you hoping to do a little flower picking at one of the local U-pick flower farms? Spring has sprung with rows and rows of beautiful blooms at flower farms near Greenville, SC, and in Western North Carolina. These are the U-Pick flower farms that will welcome you and your kids to a feast of color, and an opportunity to pick your own gorgeous blooms.

Thompson Family Farms: Tulips and Sunflower Picking

13830 SC-11, Campobello, SCSeason: Early spring for tulips, fall for sunflowersThompson Family Farms offers cut-your-own tulips in their flower fields beginning March 11th, 2024. The tulip season is short, so make sure you visit early! The cost is $8 per person 12 and older (children under 12 are free), and stems are $1 per stem. U-pick sunflowers are in fall for 2024 along with their u-pick pumpkins, zinnias, corn, and cotton! Follow the Thompson Family Farms Facebook page for updates.

Here’s our review of Thompson Family Farms.

Dirt & Grit Flower Farm

3456 Harris Bridge Road, Woodruff, SCSeason: Early springDirt & Grit offers u-pick tulips and daffodils at their family farm in Woodruff, SC. Their tulip fields open to the public starting on March 8th, 2024, and go until sold out (a couple of weeks at best). The cost is $25 per person 10 and up, which includes 10 stems. General admission begins March 10th, 2024; $8 per person 10 and up, flowers $1/stem with general admission. For up-to-date info follow Dirt & Grit Flower Farm on Facebook.

Dirt & Grit website

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard: Tulips in Spring

170 Stepp Orchard Drive Hendersonville, NCSeason: Opening March 22, 2024Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is open in March for u-pick tulips. Be sure to follow Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard so you do not miss up-to-date info.

Alexander’s U-Pick

385 Waterfall Drive, Mountville, SC Season: Early spring for tulipsAlexander’s U-Pick is offering u-pick tulips for the first time in 2024. The tulips are $2/stem. Their operating hours vary so follow them on Facebook for the latest information.

Callaham Orchards

559 Crawford Road, Belton, SCSeason: Early spring for tulipsCallaham Orchards may be known to our readers for their strawberries but they’ve also added in tulips! They do not have set hours or days so you need to follow them on Facebook to see when they have tulips available for picking. They offered them initially at $10/10 tulips + vase or $8/10 tulips if you bring your own vase.

Grandad’s Apples N Such: Pick your own lavender

2951 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NCSeason: Late May, Early June Grandad’s will offer u-pick lavender beginning May 24th, 2024. There will also be new summer bakery items, fresh produce, and in-season fruit to purchase. The farm will be open from 9 am – 4 pm, Thursday – Sunday until June 30th, 2024. The farm will reopen again in the fall for apple season.

Never Ending Flower Farm: A HUGE variety of U-Pick flowers

152 Tom Harris Trail, Barnardsville NCSeason: spring, summer and early fallOpen for the season in mid-May 2024, Never Ending Flower Farm offers a wide variety of flowers for picking from May through September. You can see the full list on the Never Ending Flower Farm website, but in May look for varieties like poppies, snapdragons, and yarrow. As summer progresses you’ll find varieties like marigolds, sunflowers, cosmos, dahlias, and more.

Never Ending Flower Farm Website

Elf Leaf Farm: U-Pick lavender and products

141 North Campbell Road, Landrum, SCSeason: Typically JuneThe U-pick lavender season at Elf Leaf Farm is quite short, so be sure you watch their website and Facebook pages for up-to-date information. It is typically late spring into early summer. In addition to UPick lavender, the farm also offers a large variety of lavender products like soaps, teas, baked treats, and more.

Check out the Kidding Around® Review of Elf Leaf Farm

Elf Leaf Farm website

Twin Creeks Lavender: Pick your own lavender

4638 Midway Road, Williamston, SCSeason: late May through early JulyTwin Creeks Lavender Farm expects to open 2024 for U-pick lavender in late May. While at the farm you can enjoy the fields, picnic, and browse items in the barn shop. Cut your own lavender bundles will be measured and banded at checkout and prices around $5-$15.

Read our Kidding Around® Review of Twin Creeks Lavender Farm.

Twin Creeks Lavender Farm

Sassafras Flower Farm: Evening U-Pick flower events like no other

255 Alex Drive, Easley, SCSeason: All summer Sassafras Flower is open seasonally for Upick flowers on specific dates. The 2024 schedule has not been released, but we are looking forward to it! You can find additional information on the Sassafras Flowers events website.

Sassafras Flower Farm also hosts relaxed open field and farm stand days, children’s events, flower-arranging workshops, and more. Here are all the Sassafras Flower Farm Events.

Sassafras Flower Farm Website

Ten Acre Garden: U-Pick flowers and more

158 Chambers Farm Ln Canton, NCSeason: All summerTen Acre Farm offers U-Pick flowers, as well as a vegetable CSA, fall events, and more. Follow them on Facebook for flower availability and upcoming events.

The Ten Acre Garden Facebook Page

Harvest Moon: A unique flower CSA

145 Chapman Grove Road, Pelzer, SCNot a U-Pick farm, but this farm has a flower CSA! You can join the flower CSA and keep fresh flower bouquets decorating your home all season long. They have several options in their Flower Club Membership for bouquets throughout the season, starting at $180.

Harvest Moon CSA Subscriptions

Jeter Mountain Farm: U-Pick summer blooms

1126 Jeter Mountain Road, Hendersonville, NCSeason: Late summer (Opens in July for Upick Zinnias, Dahlias, Poppies, Cosmos, Blackberries, and Blueberries)In addition to apples, of course, Jeter Mountain Farm also offers UPick zinnias in July and sunflowers in early August. So, you can pick your flowers, get apples, and enjoy a coffee on the farm, in one fabulous day trip. Don’t miss their fun (free) indoor play area!

Jeter Mountain Farm Harvest schedule

Beechwood Farms Sunflowers

204 Bates Bridge Road, Marietta, SCSeason: Late summerBeechwood Farms is known for strawberry picking, but they also offer U-Pick sunflowers in late July/early August. They will have u-pick sunflowers beginning in June. The cost is around $20 per car to drive up to Sunflower Hill. The price includes 2 U-pick sunflowers, use of the picnic area, and you can stay as long as you want until 5 pm. Additional sunflowers are $2 per stem. Follow their Facebook page for additional updates.

Beachwood Farms Facebook page

Denver Downs Sunflower Festival

1515 Denver Road, Anderson, SCSeason: Late June and Early JulyIn addition to the huge amount of fall fun Denver Downs offers guests with its corn maze, slides, kids’ activities, jumping pillow, and more, they also offer u-pick sunflowers as part of their South Carolina Sunflower Festival in late June and early July.

Denver Downs Sunflower Festival

Sol Flowers of Anderson, SC

150 Bradley Road, AndersonSeason: Summer- sunflowersYou can usually pick sunflowers at the Good for the Soul Sunflower Festival. Learn more on the Sol Flowers of Anderson, SC Facebook page.

Nix Pumpkin Patch: Dahlias and Zinnias in Fall

3726 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NCSeason: FallCheck Nix Pumpkin Patch for U-Pick flowers in the fall along with their wonderful pumpkin patch. In 2023 they offered colorful zinnias and dahlias.

Here’s our Kidding Around Review of Nix Pumpkin Patch.

Which of these are your favorite U-pick flower farms?

ANDERSON — Perhaps the best example of recent growth in South Carolina high school girls wrestling is Woodruff senior June Welch.

She won a state championship two years ago at individuals and another Saturday at the Anderson Convention Center. Her first was in the boys division. Her second was in the girls division, finally sanctioned by the South Carolina High School League, and that one was arguably more difficult.

Welch, who pinned her finals opponent in 2022, won the girls 115-pound division with a 4-2 decision against Olivia Dare of Lucy Beckham in Mount Pleasant.

“My opponent was really tough,” Welch said. “It was a good challenge.”

Girls got their proper place on the podiums Saturday for the first time as they competed in all-classification weight divisions. For the past few years, because they weren't fully recognized by the SCHSL, they gathered for overlooked championships at alternate sites on the same weekends as middle school and junior varsity boys events.

Not this time. The arena was packed with thousands of fans, and the excitement level matched that of the boys competition.

“It finally gives credit to the girls who have worked very hard, just like the guys,” Woodruff coach John Harper said. “Now they have the ability to be recognized and have this moment in the spotlight. It’s something they’ve deserved for maybe four or five years. It just took us a little time as a state to get there.”

FOCUS ON FIVE:How Jack Wyland set a state record and four others who stood out at the SCHSL wrestling finals

Welch was the first girl in South Carolina to win a boys wrestling state championship.

“It was really cool afterwards to see what that actually meant,” she said. “But when I was wrestling, it was just another match. I didn't think of it as being that big. I just wanted to win a state title. Later, I realized it was actually pretty cool what I did.”

“It was historical,” Harper said. “At the same time, we knew what we had in her. For anybody who didn’t recognize her, it was a surprise. But for us, we were confident. It was an amazing thing and I think it helped spur women’s wrestling in this state in the right direction.”

Welch finished fourth among the boys last season. She has won three state championships on the girls’ side.

“It’s definitely grown a lot since I was younger,” she said. “There was really not much out there compared to the guys.”

Welch found wrestling through jujitsu, a form of Japanese martial arts and combat.

“I needed to work on my takedowns,” she said. “In wrestling, obviously, there’s plenty of takedowns. So that led me to wrestling and I ended up liking wrestling more.”

There’s nothing like a hearty bowl of Guinness stew or a serving of shepherd’s pie on a brisk fall day.

Both are available at Conner Flynn’s Public House at 137 S. Main St. in Woodruff, which opened Oct. 27.

“We were just slammed. You know, there’s just been a great expectation in the community,” said co-owner Van Broad.

Opening an Irish public house was a lifelong dream for Broad. He teamed up with Maverick Biscuit and Travinia Kitchen and Italian Wine Bar restaurateurs Charles Sutter and brothers Sergio and Rico Briceño to make it a reality. From there, they brought in Jeff Slater and Kyle Frair, who owns the building.

Each piece of Conner Flynn’s has heart in it. The name is a nod to the maiden name of Broad’s late wife, June Conner Broad. The tables and bar were built by Sutter.

“In Ireland, our pub is like your house, so Conner Flynn’s Public House,” Sutter said.

Conner Flynn’s stacked menu is the brainchild of Sergio Briceño, Charles Sutter and executive chef Shawana “Smoov” Gates.

“I love cooking. I’ve got a passion to it. So every plate that I create, it comes from love,” Briceño said. “We always have a thing that we always joke about in the kitchen. We cook with love to make something sexy.”

The bar manager, Kevin Araya, developed a cocktail program that he describes as the classics with a twist.

“We try to make them fun. Not too complex. And yet, they’re delicious,” Araya said. Seasonal specials will be offered, as well.

Like any good Irish pub, Conner Flynn’s carries a strong selection of whiskeys, including Conor McGregor’s Proper 12 and Yellow Spot.

Next door, the Briceño brothers will bring another location for Maverick Biscuit. It’s just the latest edition in the rapidly growing town in southern Spartanburg County.

“Somebody said, ‘What, what are y’all doing in Woodruff?’ And I said, ‘We’re jumping on a moving train!'” Broad said.

Conner Flynn’s is open seven days a week – Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight.