Governor McMaster and the Department of Employment and Workforce 

Announce Michelin North America, Inc., as the 2025 Workforce Champion Award Recipient

Columbia, S.C. – As part of the culmination of Workforce Development Month activities, Governor Henry McMaster and S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd presented the 2025 Workforce Champion Award to Michelin North America, Inc., at the Governor’s Mansion yesterday, Tuesday, September 16.

This award honors an employer that has displayed extraordinary effort and innovation in connecting educators and students with employment opportunities in South Carolina. Michelin’s facilities in Lexington were specifically recognized because of their commitment to providing hands-on workforce development experiences to high schoolers with their school tours and presentations, the Michelin Scholars Program with Midlands Technical College, internships, early education engagement by sponsoring elementary schools like Red Bank and Saxe Gotha, and other invaluable efforts to support our state’s workforce.

“South Carolina is the country's top tire exporter, and Michelin has been a driving force behind that success by providing nearly 10,000 jobs and investing in education across our state,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “From childhood to adulthood, Michelin is educating South Carolinians about the tire manufacturing industry, training them on cutting-edge technologies, and strengthening our communities through charitable work and sponsorships. I’m proud to recognize Michelin as this year’s Workforce Champion Award winner.”

“Along with Governor McMaster, it is my privilege as the Executive Director of the Department of Employment and Workforce to present the Workforce Champion Award to Michelin North America, Inc.,” said DEW Executive Director William Floyd. “Michelin is shaping the future of our workforce by directly working with young people as early as elementary school, providing tutors and educational resources at no cost, and creating programs for teenagers to study and work simultaneously with the company. Their partnership with Midlands Technical College is a shining example of why collaboration matters, as public-private partnerships like theirs create remarkable opportunities for teenagers to learn about a manufacturing job while actively doing it.”

Michelin’s sites in Lexington met with over 500 high school seniors this past school year to educate them on tire manufacturing, the different occupations available to them, and how to pursue these careers. Their Michelin Scholars program with Midlands Technical College pays eligible students' tuition in mechatronics or electronics engineering technologies while they work at the facilities in Lexington. Upon graduation and successful completion of the program, participating teenagers are hired full-time at the company. 

“At Michelin, our power comes from our people. This tremendous recognition reflects our enduring commitment to building meaningful careers,” said Matthew Cabe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Michelin North America, Inc. “Michelin’s legacy in high-tech materials and manufacturing is built on generations of experience and strong partnerships with educators. From our School-to-Work and Technical Scholars programs to the everyday mentorship across our sites, we believe investing in people isn’t just good business; it’s the foundation of a resilient, innovative, and sustainable future.”

The award was presented to Michelin Site Director, Mining Tires, Carlton King; Director of State and Local Government Affairs, Francesca Mosteller; and Facility Personnel Manager, Michele Rorison, on behalf of the company. Michelin’s impact on the region stretches far beyond tires. With 15 facilities across South Carolina and more than $8 billion in annual economic activity, the company plays a vital role in workforce development, community building, and economic transformation. To learn more about its achievements, youth training, and employment opportunities, please visit jobs.michelinman.com. 

“We encourage all employers in South Carolina, regardless of size or industry, to follow Michelin North America’s lead and help build relationships with students in their local areas. Businesses can promote their part-time job openings on the Youth Employment Site, a job board run by our agency and sponsored by Lt. Governor Pamela Evette. They can also sponsor local schools, develop internships or apprenticeship programs, or participate in job fairs and career days at schools. Young people are the future of our workforce and the best, long-term investment an employer can make.”

The Workforce Champion Award recipient was nominated and selected by DEW’s Regional Workforce Advisors, who connect employers, educators, students, and parents across the state. For any business interested in learning more about student outreach, please reach out to a Regional Workforce Advisor at rwa@dew.sc.gov.