Area Development
Nashville, TN.-based Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) has announced it will expand its facility in Aiken County, South Carolina. The company's $135 million investment will create 122 full-time and contractor positions, and expand the plant by 266,000 square feet.

Plans call for construction to begin fourth quarter 2011 and be done by first quarter 2013. The plant should start producing an additional 4,750 passenger and light truck tires per day beginning in second quarter 2013.

"With demand steadily increasing over the last couple of years, now is the right time to increase capacity to meet the needs of our customers," said Larry Magee, president, Consumer Tire U.S. & Canada, BATO. "Aiken County is the right place to expand our manufacturing footprint."

Bobby Hitt, SC's Secretary of Commerce, said the firm's choice of The Palmetto State "is a clear indication that the workers at Bridgestone Americas are world class. The quality workforce in our state is our greatest asset in recruiting new companies and making South Carolina the first choice for expansions."