With news BMW is expanding its upstate manufacturing facility, the first thing coming to mind for coastal residents is the increased traffic it will bring to our SPA shipping terminals – a welcome sign for our economy.

Whether you are a member of the “Buy American” club or not, when it comes down to cold hard cash and your wallet, most Americans (myself included), opt for the “most bang for the buck” scenario. This is proven by BMW’s U.S. sales over the last 13 years, growing from 65,000 to 335,000 units.

So when they invest another $750 million in BMW’s Upstate facility, their production line will need parts from local suppliers, and many of those finished cars will find their way down to our coast for overseas shipping.