GREENVILLE, S.C. — Michelin North America, Inc., celebrated 50 years of business in South Carolina and 35 years of its North American Headquarters residing in Greenville.

The company celebrated the milestone at its corporate headquarters in Greenville on Tuesday. State and local leaders, including Governor Henry McMaster, attended the event.

Michelin North America CEO and outgoing president, Alexis Garcin, announced his successor, Matthew Cabe. Garcin plans to transition to a new position within the company as early as Oct. 1, 2024.

The company has generated a total economic impact of more than $266 billion for the state, according to a report by the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business.

The report also found Michelin contributes $8.2 billion dollars to South Carolina’s economy each year. As well as providing 24,915 jobs across the state.

“Michelin bringing new industry to the area was a seismic event in Greenville,” said Greenville Mayor Knox White. “Michelin changed manufacturing in the Upstate by diversifying its industry. Then, when Michelin’s corporate headquarters moved to Greenville, everything else changed as well.”

According to a release by Michelin, upon its opening in 1975, the company’s tire facility in Greenville became the first plant in South Carolina to manufacture a tire. By the end of 1984, the plant had produced roughly 40 million tires.

As of 2024, Michelin operates 15 facilities in the Palmetto State.