Hankook Tire recently hosted a grand opening ceremony for its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Clarksville, Tennessee.
The $800 million Tennessee plant is Hankook’s eighth manufacturing facility worldwide.
According to the company, the 1.5 million square-foot-plant will aim to produce 5.5 million units of passenger car radial and light truck radial tires annually, enabling Hankook to more efficiently provide dealers and consumers with tires and services to meet demand while supporting both existing and future original equipment partners.
After the second phase of development is completed, Hankook is expected to double its production capacity to approximately 11 million units annually.
“Our investment in the U.S. is part of our ongoing commitment to innovation, state-of-the-art technology, and service for our customers,” Hankook Tire Global CEO Hwa Suh said. “This high-tech, sustainable facility will enable Hankook to execute every phase of business in the U.S., from R&D to production and sales.”
The plant has already brought in approximately 1,000 jobs to the Clarksville area and could rise to as many as 1,800 jobs as infrastructure is expanded. Last year, Hankook moved its American headquarters to nearby Nashville and has hired more than 100 local employees to oversee its operations.
“Hankook Tire’s new plant brings tremendous economic growth and opportunity for Tennesseans,” Gov. Bill Haslam (R-TN) said. “Hankook’s presence has already brought significant contributions to the local community through job creation and its community outreach.”