Kumho Tires Inc., a global manufacturer of 17-inch passenger and light truck tires, approved an agreement with Melis Group to establish a warehouse and distribution center in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. The project is expected to create 200 jobs.

The new 350,000-square-foot facility will have an annual capacity of 5 million passenger and light truck tires, and will utilize the Port’s existing container services, according to local officials.

“We are thrilled Kumho Tire chose Louisiana for a new tire distribution facility,” said Brandy D. Christian, President and CEO Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA). “This is a testament to the work Port NOLA and our economic development partners have done to attract new imports and grow container business statewide. Kumho’s investment will also strengthen Louisiana’s position in the rubber and tire market as Port NOLA continues to be the number one importer of natural rubber in the United States.”

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Kumho Tire USA is the US sales, marketing, product development, and distribution arm of Kumho Tire Co. Inc. The company is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers.

“This announcement is a major win for St. Mary Parish and the State of Louisiana that was made possible only through the collaboration with our local stakeholders and economic development partners throughout the state,” noted Director of St. Mary Economic Development, Evan Boudreaux. “I am excited about what opportunities will be created through this announcement, and I emphatically welcome Kumho to St. Mary Parish.”