Video: Yokohama Tire Opens Local Office

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STARKVILLE, Miss.–One of the world’s leading premium tire manufacturing companies recognized for its technology and innovation is locating in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park.

Yokohama Tire Corporation is opening an office in the state’s largest research park that will serve as the company’s operational headquarters while its new manufacturing plant in Clay County is under construction, according to a Mississippi State University official.

“We are very pleased to welcome members of the Yokohama Tire team to the Thad Cochran Research Park and Industry Partners Building, and to develop a new pipeline of communication between us,” said Marc McGee, director of the MSU Research and Technology Corporation, the entity that manages the park.

The Research Park space will form the center for strategic and logistical operations for Yokohama Tire while overseeing the development of its manufacturing facility. It will house several business functions including general management, human resources management, information management and business planning.

The plant is expected to have a total investment of $300 million initially and employ approximately 500 employees. Additional phases are expected to create up to 2,000 jobs and up to $1.2 billion over the next decade.

According to Joey Deason, chief operating officer for the Golden Triangle Development Link and vice president for Oktibbeha Economic Development, “Yokohama’s presence in the Thad Cochran Park will encourage and foster not only a relationship with the university, but also with Starkville and Oktibbeha County. It will drive economic growth and showcase the quality of life for the local community.”

David Shaw, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development, said that the land-grant institution is looking forward to working further with Yokohama Tire, its suppliers, economic developers and elected officials as the project moves forward.

“Yokohama Tire’s decision to build in the Golden Triangle is a very strong example of how a major research university is a significant economic development asset,” he added.

The 272-acre park is a joint venture of the City of Starkville, Oktibbeha County and the university, with the MSU RTC responsible for day-to-day management. A recent expansion added an additional 45 acres complete with roads, dual-fiber capabilities and utilities. The 38,000-square-foot Industry Partners Building opened in 2010 and is among nine buildings in the park.