Accuride expands South Carolina wheel manufacturing

Accuride Corporation has announced plans to expand aluminum wheel production capacity at its Camden, South Carolina plant, Tire Review reports. The company will invest at least $8.7 million to add two machine lines as part of the expansion, which will generate at least 25 new jobs.

“Our investment helps to ensure we have the right production capacity in place where and when our customers need it, at a higher standard of quality and dependability,” said Rick Dauch, Accuride president and CEO.

The Kershaw County Council is expected to vote in favour of a fee in lieu of taxes agreement for the project; and the company is utilising South Carolina’s readySC worker training programme for new hires.

“Today’s announcement is another win for one of our state’s rural areas. We celebrate Accuride’s decision to invest $8.73 million and create 25 new jobs in Camden. South Carolina continues to provide the business-friendly-climate where companies of all sizes can grow and prosper,” said Governor Nikki Haley – who also recently welcomed new construction and expansion of plants by Continental the Americas, Bridgestone Americas and Michelin North America.

In June 2011, Accuride acquired the assets of Forgitron Technologies LLC, including the 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Camden. Shortly thereafter, Accuride converted the plant to its standards and announced plans to expand capacity and produce a range of forged aluminum commercial vehicle wheels at the facility.