MACON, Ga. (Oct. 12, 2009)—Kumho Tire USA Inc. has pushed back construction for three more years on the $225 million tire plant it plans to build in Macon, said Chip Cherry, president of the Macon Economic Development Commission.
Kumho had previously announced a one-year delay on construction of the 1.3 million-sq.-ft. plant, which initially was scheduled to come online by the end of 2009.
Cherry said the tire maker is honoring its commitment to the project and will begin production sometime in 2012. The facility now is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2013.
“While nobody's excited about the fact the project's being delayed, everybody appreciates the fact that what's going on in the global economy is having an impact on the automotive and tire sectors,” Cherry said. He added that he expects the project will not be delayed further.
Kumho Tire representatives could not be reached for comment.