CLINTON, MS. Continental Tire officially broke ground at the site of its new tire plant near Clinton, MS, Nov. 3. Continental is investing approximately $1.4 billion in the plant, which according to Nikolai Setzer, Conti’s executive board member and head of global business, is part of the company’s long-term growth strategy.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the construction process, which is expected to be completed in 2019, according to the company. When the plant reaches full capacity in the next decade, it is expected to employ 2,500 people.

The new facility will be located on approximately 1,000 acres in Hinds County off Interstate 20, two miles from Clinton and 20 miles from Jackson. Construction of the plant is expected to begin in 2018, and production of commercial vehicle tires is planned to start by the end of 2019.