Kumho Tire announced in January this year its plans to set up a distribution and logistics warehouse in Franklin. The company officials recently met with Gov. John Bel Edwards and Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson about expansion to Louisiana.
The 350,000-square-foot facility will process 5 million Kumho tires and provide employment opportunities for 100 people. It’s expected to open the door for the construction of an additional tire manufacturing factory that could create hundreds of jobs.
“This week, we sent a powerful message to investors and trading partners in Japan and South Korea: the people of Louisiana appreciate the jobs you have created and tax revenues you have generated in our state, and we stand ready to support additional investment,” Edwards said in the press release.
“Companies like Kumho Tire, Zen-Noh, Shin-Etsu, Tokai Carbon and Lotte Chemical are a big reason why Louisiana regularly ranks No. 1 in per capita foreign direct investment. They understand the benefits of our strategic location, abundant natural resources and skilled manufacturing workforce. We look forward to a long and durable relationship with these companies and continued economic collaboration between our two countries.”
Kumho plans to use the new center to solve its global supply chain problems and strengthen its competitive advantage in distribution specifically in the Midwest and South U.S. markets.