Michelin to build new Earthmover tyre plant in South Carolina and to expand another

Michelin North America will again expand its operations in South Carolina, it was announced by Michelin North America's Chairman and President Pete Selleck.

Michelin is breaking ground next week on a new Earthmover tyre manufacturing plant in
Anderson County, S.C. The company is also expanding its existing Earthmover tyre facility in Lexington, S.C.
The two projects represent a $750-million investment and will create up to 500 new jobs. This announcement is in addition to Michelin's 2011 commitment to add an estimated 270 jobs and invest $200-million in its existing Lexington passenger and light truck tire manufacturing facility. This expanded operation at Lexington will begin production in October.

"Michelin intends to maintain and strengthen its leadership in all its specialty businesses, especially Earthmover radial tyres," said Jean-Dominique Senard, Managing General Partner of Michelin. "The market for Earthmover tyres grew by more than 20 per cent between 2009 and 2011. This new facility will help us meet sustained demand while also attaining our growth objectives for 2015."

Selleck said, "There is unprecedented demand for Michelin Earthmover tires throughout the world. It's a tribute to the productivity of our employees and the pro-business environment in South Carolina that the company is expanding its Earthmover capacity in the state where we first began manufacturing in the United States."

The new plant will be Michelin's 19th manufacturing facility in North America and its ninth in South Carolina. More than 8,000 of Michelin North America's 22,300 employees are based in South Carolina.

"Nearly every Earthmover tire is sold before it is produced," said Selleck. "Michelin is one of very few companies in the world that is able to produce these high technology tyres."

"Michelin has been part of the economic and social fabric of South Carolina for decades and remains one of our finest corporate citizens," said South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. "It really is a great day in South Carolina when our largest manufacturer reaffirms its commitment to the state."

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham said, "For nearly 40 years, Michelin has played an essential and leading role in South Carolina's economy. Today's announcement is more good news for South Carolina as it reinforces Michelin's commitment to manufacturing and good-paying jobs in our state. We are very proud that since 1973 Michelin North America has called South Carolina home."

The new Earthmover tyre plant will be adjacent to Michelin's existing rubber processing plant in Starr, S.C., and will be the third Michelin plant in Anderson County. The company also operates a 2.5-million sq ft rubber processing plant, the largest in the world, in Sandy Springs.

In addition to the Lexington plant, Michelin currently produces Earthmover tyres around the world in Waterville, Canada; Campo Grande, Brazil; Le Puy and Montceau-les-Mines, France; Vitoria, Spain and Zalau, Romania.

Posted in: Accessories,Anderson County,Earthmover Tyre Plant,Lexington,Lindsey Graham,Michelin,Michelin North America,Nikki Haley,Pete Selleck,Radial,South Carolina,Tyres,World's Largest Rubber Processing Plant