Mystery over North American factory plans

US publication Tire Review reports that Northwestern Mississippi and western Tennessee are “abuzz with rumours over what automotive or tyre company plans to build a significant production facility in the region.” Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant has called the state legislature into a special session on 26 April to consider a batch of economic incentives to lure a company to the state, and Tire Review says that a local newspaper describes the company in question as being a “Japanese” tyre company that wants to build a plant there.

Bryant is quoted as saying the state legislature will meet on 26 April “to consider an economic development package that will bring needed jobs to our state.” According to Tire Review, various Mississippi state officials said the project would bring “600 to 800” jobs to the area in question.

The only tyre maker known to be actively considering building a plant in the US is South Korea’s Hankook Tire Co., Tire Review notes.