Tyre maker Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. is to invest US$125 million and hire 40 new employees at its Topeka plant as part of modernising its Kansas facility, which has been in operation since 1945, according to Kansas state Governor Laura Kelly.
Goodyear, one of the largest tyre manufacturers in the world, currently employs 1,600 people at its Topeka plant and has the capacity to manufacture 7,000 units/day of light truck, truck and bus and earthmover tyres. Improvements to the plant are expected to generate a local economic impact of US$480 million over ten years.
This announcement comes during Governor Kelly’s ‘Prosperity On The Plains’ tour promoting economic development.
“Goodyear’s expansion shows that our laser-like focus on creating jobs and supporting manufacturers benefits Kansans across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said.
“Our Topeka facility is integral to our operations,” said Tim Davis, manufacturing director for Goodyear-Topeka, “and this investment will help position Goodyear to continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
A spokesperson for Goodyear said the majority of the anticipated new jobs will be positions related to production and technical maintenance.
Goodyear officials said the company “very much appreciates support from Governor Kelly and the State of Kansas in helping make possible investments in the Goodyear-Topeka tyre plant.”
Recently, Topeka and Shawnee County’s Joint Economic Development Organisation (JEDO) board approved an incentive agreement to assist the Goodyear project. JEDO Chair Aaron Mays said: “This company has a long history in our community and continues to impact and help grow the Topeka/Shawnee County economy.”