December 9, 2013
Bridgestone is looking for 200 new employees for its Graniteville tire plant.
Fact Box
Bridgestone Americas is currently constructing a 1.5-million-square-foot off-road radial tire plant in Sage Mill Industrial Park, and it completed the expansion of its passenger and light tire plant this spring. The expansion project increased the existing plant’s footprint by 740,000 square feet and upped its production to 37,750 tires per day, or about 13.4 million tires annually.
This entire project represents a $1.2 billion investment. It’s the single largest capital investment in South Carolina’s history to date and, in all, is estimated to create more than 850 jobs.
Once the new off-road radial tire plant is complete, Aiken County will be the home of the world’s largest manufacturer of Bridgestone tires.
The final building construction phase, which began this fall, is scheduled to be complete by 2015.
The announcement of the major economic development project was made in September 2011.
Starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, job seekers can go online to apply for one of 200 machine technician positions. The application process will close on Dec. 16 at midnight. Bridgestone Vice President of Administrative Services Fran Jones said they are ramping up their phase two hiring, and the positions will be filled in 2014.
Applications will only be accepted online. According to Jones, those interested in obtaining one of these positions and who have access to the Internet at their residence are encouraged to apply from the comfort of their own home. She said they do not have to go to the Department of Employment and Workforce Office to apply.
If anyone needs assistance or Internet access, they can apply at the employment office located at 1571 Richland Ave. E. in Aiken.
These jobs are hourly, full-time positions. Manufacturing experience, a high school diploma or GED are preferred, but not required. Jones said they will offer training.
Starting pay is $14 an hour, and it will top out at $24.32 after a 150-week training period, Jones said. These employees will get a bump in pay every 25 weeks, Jones added.
Employees may also get an additional bonus based on the plant’s performance.
Jones added they have a benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, 401K, tuition match for those who want to continue their education and more.
“We’re always excited to have more people come in and even more excited to be able to open it now, especially with the Christmas season,” said Chief Projects Officer Steve Brooks. “It’s a good opportunity for our company and our community.”
Once an application has been filed online, the Employment and Workforce Office will contact applicants to schedule a computer-based test. The next step in the process will be a two-panel interview. The final step is a background check, drug test and physical.
To apply, visit www.readysc.org/bato.