Michelin is investing another $200
million in its Lexington, S.C., tire factory to
further expand its production capacity, having spent
more than $1 billion on the plant since it was
established in 1981.
The latest project, for which all the equipment will
be installed by the first half of 2013, will create
270 new jobs phased in over the next two years. Work
will begin immediately.
“Trusted for its quality and value, the Michelin
brand was quite resilient during the recent economic
crisis,” notes Dick Wilkerson, chairman and president
of Michelin North America.
“As the economy turned, demand for our tires
increased dramatically,” he says. “We must have
additional capacity for high performance passenger
car tires to meet our customers’ needs.”
The 1.2 million-square-foot Lexington facility also
produces light truck tires, with the plant currently
employing 1,360 people. Michelin also operates an 825,000-
square-foot earthmover tire plant with 475 employees
at the site.
“We’re thrilled that the expansion will be in our
home state of South Carolina,” says Wilkerson. “The
Lexington County Council and the state of South
Carolina have been effective partners with us,
working to make this expansion and the new jobs that
support it a reality.”
“Michelin has been an important part of the Midlands
business community for decades, and we celebrate the
company’s decision to increase its presence in South
Carolina,” says Gov. Nikki Haley. “This announcement
not only shows the company’s commitment to our state,
but that we are doing right things to help South
Carolina’s existing businesses grow.”
For more information, visit www.michelin-us.com.
