Kumho Tire Co., Inc. announced Tuesday from Korea that the Korean-based company will restart the construction of a state of the art automotive tire plant in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia. This will be Kumho Tire's first plant in the US. The plant is expected to be in production by early 2016. It will be located in the Sofkee Industrial Park. Kumho Tire Co. is expected to invest up to $413 million in the new plant. This new facility will enable Kumho Tire to increase supply to U.S. automotive manufacturing sectors and further penetrate the North American market. The Sofkee Industrial Park is a unique joint venture partnership between Macon-Bibb County, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority and the owner of the site, Norfolk Southern Railroad. 

Harry Choi, President of Kumho Tire Georgia Inc., delivered the news in Macon: "Today is a great day for our company. We are pleased to announce that our plans to construct the Macon, Georgia plant are moving forward. We express thanks to our partners in Macon and the State of Georgia for their consistent faith in and support for this important project. We are proud to call Macon home, and we look forward to creating a successful and lasting business here."

The plant was originally scheduled to begin construction in 2008 but was put on hold due to the worldwide economic recession. 

Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert commented enthusiastically about the culmination of years of efforts to locate Kumho in Macon-Bibb County: "This is a very exciting development, and the old expression that 'Good things are worth the wait,' is certainly true in this case. To have this kind of investment in our community by such a strong international company is most gratifying. This is great news for Macon-Bibb County, Middle Georgia, and the entire State!" 

The Georgia Department of Economic Development, and Georgia EMC, worked with the Macon Economic Development Commission and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority team to bring this project to Macon-Bibb County.   

Cliffard Whitby, Chairman of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, has lead the Authority through efforts to locate the facility: "We are proud our partnership with Kumho, which began seven years ago and withstood global recession, is now on track for the imminent commencement of construction of Kumho' s new U. S. tire manufacturing facility here in Macon-Bibb County. Through the unwavering dedication and stewardship of the Authority's team to bring quality jobs and industry to Macon-Bibb County, and the persistence of Kumho to overcome obstacles, we will all benefit from this substantial project. We welcome Kumho as the newest corporate citizen of Macon-Bibb County and look forward to the Company's sure success here and around the world." 

Kumho Tire opened a new distribution center in Henry County in the spring of 2007. The strategic location just off of I-75 helps Kumho efficiently serve their large network of independent tire distributors and installers across Georgia and the southeast. 

Walt Miller, Chairman of the Macon Economic Development Commission was equally positive on news of the announcement, stating: "Our community welcomes this good news. We look forward to everyone in Macon-Bibb County and all of Middle Georgia soon to be riding on Kumho tires, made here in Macon." 

Kumho Tire was founded in 1960 and has grown to become one of the top global tire manufacturers. Its products include ultra-high performance tires for the automotive market as well as for motor sports. Kumho's focus on technology and providing excellent customer service has made it a top brand in the world of automotive tires.