Largest Independent Tire Mold Company in U.S. Makes $2.6 Million Investment in South Carolina

King Machine, a manufacturer of tire molds, has a rapidly expanding network that spans 16 divisions spread throughout 12 locations, nine of which are in the Carolinas.  

On March 2, 2021, King Machine announced a more than $2.6 million investment to build a 50,000-square-foot facility in Sumter, South Carolina, which will increase operating capacity. The expansion will also create 30 new jobs. The company expects to have the new plant completed by 2024. 

In Sumter, the company also provides mold cleaning and press-ready conditioning services, mold repair and refurbishment, inventory management, warehousing, and logistics.

For nearly 70 years, the company has made tire molds and components for the original equipment and replacement markets. According to the company, it is the largest independent tire mold company in North America, working for some of the world's largest tire companies. 

Tire manufacturer Continental Tire has a nearby facility in Sumter, where it makes passenger and light truck tires. The plant has been around since 2012 and has more than 1,200 employees. 

In a statement, King Machine CEO Mike Wells says the company decided to continue investing in the Sumter location due to support received from both the surrounding community and Continental Tire.

According to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the state leads the nation in tire production and export. Some 110,000 tires are made in South Carolina every day, and the state accounts for one-third of U.S. tire export sales. 

The state is also home to Bridgestone, Michelin, Giti, and Trelleborg, which, along with Continental, operate 13 facilities throughout the state. 

The industry supports about 12,500 jobs in South Carolina.

Image Credit: King Machine Molds