AIKEN, S.C.—Carlstar Group L.L.C. is planning to invest $6.9 million to upgrade and expand the process and production capabilities of its Aiken wheel facility, according to a news release issued by the South Carolina Department of Commerce.
Along with the investment, Carlstar plans to add 43 more jobs at the Aiken location, with hiring expected to begin in the coming months, the release said.
"Our Aiken, S.C. facility is part of the strategic, long-term growth for our company," Carlstar Group CEO John Salvatore said in the statement. "This investment in people, processes and production will not only help strengthen our ability to provide value for our customers, but also strengthen and grow our ties to the Aiken County community."
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development is supporting the firm's expansion efforts by providing Aiken County with a $100,000 grant that will assist with the costs of site preparation and building improvements.
The Franklin, Tenn.-headquartered Carlstar Group is a global manufacturer of original equipment and aftermarket specialty tires and wheels for the agriculture, construction, lawn and garden, ATV/UTV and high speed trailer markets. The company employs about 3,500 worldwide.
"This investment by The Carlstar Group in expanding its footprint in South Carolina is a tremendous example of how companies of all sizes can thrive here," South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement. "It's because of companies like the Carlstar Group that our automotive industry continues to grow and is considered one of the best in the world."
Over the course of nearly two decades, South Carolina has become the leading tire manufacturing state in the U.S., drawing billions of dollars of investments from a number of tire makers, including Michelin, Bridgestone Corp., Continental A.G., Trelleborg A.B. and Giti Tire USA.