Michelin Announces $58M Expansion, 51 New Jobs in Anderson

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The timing could not have been better.

Anderson County Council on Tuesday approved tax incentives for Michelin to expand their operations in the county, with a new $56.28 million investment which will create 51 full-time jobs with an average salary of $31.50 per hour.

The announcement comes while more than 200 visitors from around the world are gathered in Anderson for the International Network of Michelin Cities.

“The county is hosting one of the events at Green Pond Landing and Events Center Wednesday,” said Administrator Rusty Burns. “It could bring some more businesses looking to relocate in Anderson County.”

Michelin tire rubber for all passenger vehicles manufactured in the United States is made in Anderson County. Tuesday’s announcement brings Michelin’s total investment in the county to more than $750 million.

“Michelin came along at a great time,” said County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “We were a cotton mill town, and they changed our economy.”

Dunn said Michelin was among the first companies in South Carolina to receive fee in lieu of taxes incentives to locate in the area.

Council also approved tax incentives for “Project Marine,” an international family-owned techonology business with 1,900 jobs worldwide. The company will bring a $3 million investment with 66 full-time jobs with an average wage of $37.63 per hour.

Anderson County Economic Development Director Burriss Nelson said the company will “bring global job opportunities to Anderson County.”

“They are great people,” said Dunn. “This is going to be another flag from another company in Anderson County. We are glad to have them. They are going to be a good addition to our family in Anderson county

Dunn also said he promised to take the owners bass fishing when they are up and running.

Also on Tuesday, council:

Heard an update on the DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM UPDATE: DRUGS END ALL DREAMS (D.E.A.D.), which is funded by opioid settlement funds. The program is aimed at curbing drug overdose deaths in the county through education campaigns.