Conti can tap $40M+ in state, local aid for new plant

ERJ staff report (TB)

Sumter, South Carolina - Continental Tire the Americas' choice of Sumter as the site for its $500 million consumer tyre plant is supported by more than $40 million in state and local assistance, according to county and city officials.

Among the incentives available to Conti are a $31 million grant for purchase of and improvements to the 330-acre site south of Sumter, approved by the Sumter County Coordinating Council, and a $4 million federally funded Community Development Block Grant through Sumter County to offset costs associated with road and public infrastructure improvements, according to Sumter County Economic Development.

In addition, Sumter County has earmarked $4 million toward building water and sewer lines to the plant site along State Route 51 as part of a larger infrastructure improvement package that's financed by a 1-cent increase in the local sales tax approved by county residents two years ago.

Sumter County Council Chairman Eugene R. Baten called Conti's decision a “real game-changer” for the region. “Continental clearly recognised that we have a skilled, dedicated and loyal workforce that will help make the company successful.”

Sumter Mayor Joseph McElveen Jr. said, “Continental Tire could have located anywhere, but the fact the company chose Sumter is a tribute to our community, its people and the entire Sumter team.”

Sumter reportedly won out over competing bids from North Carolina and Louisiana, according to various media reports in those states.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)