Singapore-based Giti Tire is to establish a tyre-manufacturing plant in Chester County, South Carolina, at a cost of $560 million.

The 1,800,00ft2 facility is expected to generate 1,700 new jobs over the next 10 years. It will produce tyres for passenger vehicles and light trucks — for both the replacement and original-equipment markets.

Giti Tire executive chairman Enki Tan said: “Existing business and strong demand for our passenger and light-truck tyres in North America has made this significant investment in South Carolina possible.

“Chester County is an excellent location for Giti Tire, offering an extensive and efficient infrastructure network, including interstate highways, rail, close proximity to airports and a major metropolitan area to support the company’s needs and growth for many years to come.

“The initial capacity of the new plant is expected to be five million tyres per year; this will then be increased in response to future market demand and conditions.”