On Dec. 12, Michelin celebrated the grand opening of its new 800,000-sq.-ft. US10 tire-manufacturing facility in Anderson, S.C. Michelin executives and employees were joined by dozens of dignitaries from across the state, as well as local and trade-press media to celebrate the milestone just 17 months after breaking ground on the facility. The project completion is the fastest greenfield construction in Michelin’s history, according to the company.
The new state-of-the-art plant will build the “the world’s largest tires,” which will be a service match for up to 400-ton mining trucks. Speaking at the morning festivities, Michelin Chairman and President Pete Selleck said that the opening of the plant is the work of a lot of dedicated people. He also noted that the plant is the company’s 15th in the United States and that South Carolina is now the country’s largest tire-producing state.
“Michelin continues to make investments in multiple countries around the world that will position our company for long-term growth,” said Selleck. “It’s a source of pride to know that what we’re doing right here in South Carolina plays such an important role in our company’s global business strategy. It’s a testament to the business-friendly climate in the state and the dedicated, productive and skilled workforce that serves as the engine behind our success.”
“That we have constructed this state-of-the-art facility in 17 months is nothing short of remarkable,” said Bruce Brackett, senior vice president, Michelin Earthmover and Industrial Tires Worldwide. “These tires are no ordinary ones, and they cannot be built just anywhere by just anyone. The fact is, the Michelin Earthmover tire is a highly sophisticated product to develop and build, and today South Carolina is the leader for the vast Michelin Group.”
Production of commercially available tires will commence in January 2014 for sale in mid-2014. Approximately 80 percent of the tires manufactured at the new plant will be exported, largely from the Port of Charleston.