NEW YORK—South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who has worked to bring tire industry investment and jobs to her state, has been nominated to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
During her six years as governor, Haley has been involved in negotiations that brought nearly $3.7 billion in tire industry investment for projects that represent roughly 4,500 new jobs for the Palmetto state. She also has spoken twice at the annual Clemson Tire Conference.
In a statement posted on the governor's website, Haley said: “This month's elections have brought exciting changes to America. Our country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally.
“Last week, President-elect Trump asked if I would meet with him to discuss those challenges, which I was happy to do. He has asked that I serve our country as our next Ambassador to the United Nations. Pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate, I have agreed.”
Haley, 44, who has two years remaining on her second term, added:
"I always expected to finish the remaining two years of my second term as governor. Not doing so is difficult because I love serving South Carolina more than anything. I was moved to accept this new assignment for two reasons.
“The first is a sense of duty. When the president believes you have a major contribution to make to the welfare of our nation, and to our nation's standing in the world, that is a calling that is important to heed. The second is a satisfaction with all that we have achieved in our state in the last six years and the knowledge that we are on a very strong footing.”
Major tire industry investments made in South Carolina during Haley's governorship include:
c Bridgestone Americas Inc.: new radial OTR plant in Aiken County—$1 billion-plus investment; 375 employees.
c Bridgestone Americas: expansion of passenger/light tire capacity at Aiken County plant—$135 million investment; 122 jobs.
c Continental A.G.: passenger/light truck tire plant in Sumter—$1 billion-plus in two phases; 1,700-plus jobs.
c Giti Tire Group: passenger/light truck tire plant in Richburg—$560 million investment; 1,700 jobs.
c Michelin North America Inc.: build an OTR tire plant in Starr and expand OTR tire capacity at existing Lexington plant—$750 million investment; 500 jobs.
c Trelleborg A.B.: agricultural/forestry tire plant in Spartanburg—$50 million investment; 150 jobs.
c Kiswire Inc.: expansion of steel cord and bead wire capacity at plant in Newberry County—$45 million; 45 jobs.