RICHBURG, S.C.—Giti Tire Group broke ground Feb. 12 on the $560 million car and light truck tire plant it plans to build near Richburg, with South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley joining Giti executives and dignitaries on hand for the ceremonial event.
Giti Tire Group Executive Chairman Dr. Enki Tan called it a “great day” for the tire maker and the people of South Carolina.
The company's first plant in North America is expected to start production by 2017. It will create 1,700 jobs over the next 10 years, Giti said.
Dr. Tan used the occasion to announce the creation of a “Giti Tire Math and Science Award” for the Chester County School District. Teams for each school in the district will be given a specific problem to solve. Winning teams—one each from elementary, middle and high schools—will receive a trophy and an award.
“We are looking forward to working with the school district to help guide and inspire tomorrow's innovators in the science, math and engineering fields,” Dr. Tan said.
Ground clearing already has started on the site, located alongside I-77 in rural Chester County.
Others speaking at the event were: R. Carlisle Roddey, Chester County supervisor and chairman of the Chester County Council; and Brian Singleton, chairman of the Chester Development Association.