Landing Michelin would be a “game-changer” for Oconee, says development director
Oconee County Council voted to approve an incentive package for a potential Michelin North America development in the county worth at least $175 million in investment and 30 new full-time jobs within five years.
Michelin did not respond to requests for comment about its intentions in the county.
The ordinance – which includes a fee in lieu of tax and incentive agreements – does not guarantee anything, but Michelin’s consideration of the county is encouraging for other developments, said Oconee County Council Chairman Joel Thrift.
“It says a great deal about our preparation and our dedication,” said Thrift, who said the county decided to invest several million to prepare the property under consideration with infrastructure, water, sewer and electrical facilities. “We’ve invested a lot in it and hopefully it will come to fruition that benefits the citizens of Oconee County.”
Oconee County has invested roughly $15 million in economic development during the last three years, turning farmland into industrial developments and aiming to reduce barriers to new business, said Oconee Economic Alliance Executive Director Richard Blackwell.
“Landing a corporate presence with a world-known brand, it would be a game-changer for Oconee County,” said Blackwell, who did not say anything about dealings with Michelin due to nondisclosure contracts. “It shows that what we’re doing here is working. It shows we can compete in the global marketplace. At the end of the day, it gives people good-paying jobs.”
During the last year, the economic development organization attracted $45 million in capital investment, which created more than 300 jobs.
The county contains 60 manufacturers, and was ranked as the top-performing micropolitan area in the state and 27th top performing in the country, according to economic development trade journal Site Selection Magazine.
“We’re not Grandpa’s old Oconee County anymore,” said Blackwell.
Thrift said Oconee’s location, existing infrastructure and access to Interstate 85 make the county attractive for distribution activity.
“If it materializes, it will be a highly automated distribution center. All their needs were met,” said Thrift. “I think it would have a tremendous impact. … If this comes to fruition, the starting salaries could be $22.50 an hour.”
