Michelin North America to Invest $90M in Lexington Facility

A US$90 million investment is planned for Michelin North America’s facility in Lexington, South Carolina. The additional capital will be used to upgrade plant equipment and expand capacity at the site’s passenger car and OTR tyre factories. The news was announced by the company during a ceremony held in the region on June 19, at which it thanked local public officials and development agencies for their support of Michelin’s continued growth in Lexington.

“Lexington has been a great place for Michelin to produce some of the best tyres in the world,” said Jim Micali, chairman and president, Michelin North America, Inc. “And, we hope that Michelin has been equally good for Lexington County. We especially thank the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the chairman and members of the Lexington County Council, without whose support this investment would not be possible. Their efforts directly impact Michelin’s ability to expand manufacturing at this site and to continue to provide quality jobs in Lexington.”

Last August Michelin announced a $350 million investment to upgrade and expand every major manufacturing facility in South Carolina. From that investment, $110 million was earmarked for the Lexington manufacturing site. Michelin adds that the investment announced on June 19 is the latest in a series of investments the company has made in Lexington County – since its passenger car and light truck tyre factory was established in 1981 the company has invested more than $900 million into projects within the county. Michelin’s second factory at its Lexington site, which specialises in the manufacture of earthmover tyres, entered service in 1998. More than 1,700 people work at the two plants, says Michelin.