Cooper Expansion Plans Gain Boost

(Akron/Tire Review) Cooper Tire & Rubber Co’s planned expansion of its Athens, Georgia, tyre plant has had a big boost from local government which authorised some $12 million in bonds to aid the expansion effort.

The Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Authority agreed on a package of $239 million in bonds for four companies – including Cooper – that will either expand or build new facilities in the Athens area. Cooper’s Athens plant is the former Oliver Rubber Co tread production facility, which has been converted over to tyre production. Cooper plans to add race tyre production to the facility with the expansion program.

According to the Development Authority, the expansion will add some 30 new jobs.