The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has established the Tire Manufacturers’ Council, with a mission to "evaluate and propose policies relating to the manufacture of tires in South Carolina."
Council members include Michelin North America, Bridgestone Americas and Continental Tire the Americas. Steve Evered, vice president of government affairs for Michelin, serves as chairman of the Tire Manufacturers’ Council. The chair will rotate among member companies annually.
“South Carolina will soon become the largest tire manufacturing state in the country and currently ranks first among states in tire exports. The establishment of the Tire Manufacturers’ Council is an acknowledgement of the significant impact of the industry on the state’s economy,” Evered said.
Over the last 22 months, Michelin has committed to invest more than $1.15 billion in South Carolina expansions, Bridgestone has committed to invest $1.2 billion to expand its South Carolina capacity, and Continental’s investment totals in the state were more than $500 million.
Upon the completion of recently announced expansions, these three tire manufacturers will employ more than 12,000 people in the state, making tire manufacturing one of the largest industrial sector employers in South Carolina, according to the chamber of commerce.
“South Carolina is quickly becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse, and it is vital that we keep our eye toward future growth by committing to completing dredging at the Port of Charleston and investing in workforce development. These issues are important to all South Carolina businesses, but especially significant to the tire manufacturing industry,” said Otis Rawl, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
