CLINTON, Miss. — Continental Tire the Americas has opened an employee training center in Clinton where it is building a $1.4 billion truck tire plant.
The German tire and automotive supplier said the opening of the center was a "major milestone" for the new plant in Mississippi.
The center is equipped with classrooms, computer labs and technical equipment which will be used for job interviews, new employee orientation, and training.
"This a great day for Continental Tire and the State of Mississippi," Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said. "This training center ... will facilitate jobs for Mississippians for years to come. Workforce training is vital to a healthy economy and something that has been a priority of mine since taking office."
Additionally, Continental has entered into a partnership with Hinds Community College in nearby Raymond, Miss., to drive employment and professional development at the facility.
"Every job offered at Continental Tire creates an opportunity for someone to improve their quality of life," Hinds CC President Clyde Muse said. "We will remain committed to supporting their educational and training endeavors for many years to come."
Continental broke ground on the facility in November 2016 and expects to start production in 2020.
The plant is projected to produce 750,000 truck and bus tires annually in the first phase, starting with 400 employees. Full projected employment of 2,500 won't be reached until 2028.