South Carolina Senator Tim Scott recently made an appearance at Giti Tire USA’s 1.7-million square-foot plant in his home state, getting a “crash course” in tire making.
“It was a real honor to host Sen. Scott today,” said Hank Eisenga, vice president of manufacturing for GitiTire Manufacturing (USA). “He spent a lot of time speaking with employees, and I believe got a good sense of what makes this plant so special – the combination of very dedicated people and world-class tire manufacturing technology. “
Sen. Scott spoke to many employees during the tour and came away very impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of the Giti team.
“I found the Giti employees to be friendly and professional,” Sen. Scott said. “They are very happy to be here, and I can see why. It is a very clean and healthy environment . . . a great example of the future in manufacturing.”
In remarks at the plant, Scott said it was important for the U.S. to attract companies like Giti Tire, which want to invest in American manufacturing facilities. Sen. Scott said he was excited to hear that the plant is expected to create 1,700 local jobs once it reaches full capacity.
“It’s a great time to be an American company,” he said. “Creating a pro business environment like we have here in South Carolina is an important part of the equation in creating highly skilled and qualified jobs like they have here at the Giti Tire plant.”
The company’s first manufacturing plant in the U.S. was announced in June 2014 and ground breaking began in 2015. The plant has begun producing passenger and light truck tires for the U.S. market in October.