Michelin distribution hub to export tires through Inland Port

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Michelin North America Inc. will expand its use of Inland Port Greer by exporting finished tires from its 3 million-square-foot distribution center in Woodruff.

The Woodruff facility, linked to the inland port by 10 miles of Interstate 85, is the tiremaker’s largest distribution center, according to a news release, and will be used to house products for 60% of the company’s North American customers.

Michelin has used the inland port to transport raw goods to its manufacturing plants since 2015.

“S.C. Ports’ Inland Port Greer enables Michelin to seamlessly and efficiently import materials and export tires to global markets through the Port of Charleston,” Julie Branham, supply chain operations manager of Michelin North America, said in the release. “Access to an efficient supply chain and port facilities is a key element of Michelin’s long-term success in South Carolina, ultimately creating more jobs for residents of our state.”

Michelin built the $270 million, five-building distribution hub in Woodruff — equivalent to the size of 57 football fields — with sustainability as a priority, according to the release. The warehouse uses low-emission hydrogen-fueled vehicles and LED lighting and will rely on rail usage instead of trucks to move cargo — thus reducing air emissions by up to 70%, according to an S.C. Ports Authority analysis.

“Michelin is a valued customer of S.C. Ports. We are thrilled to expand on this important partnership by serving Michelin’s impressive distribution center in Woodruff, S.C.,” Jim Newsome, president and CEO of S.C. Ports Authority, said in the release. “Inland Port Greer offers customers efficiencies and speed to market. We look forward to handling increased imports and exports for Michelin through Inland Port Greer and the Port of Charleston.”

Access to the Inland Port extends the Port of Charleston’s reach by 212 miles inland, allowing distributors to reach 90 million customers within a 500-mile radius, according to the release.