CHESTER COUNTY, SC (FOX 46 WJZY) — Big news out of Chester County as thousands of new jobs roll into town.

Giti Tires opened a manufacturing plant, set tot bring 1,700 jobs to Chester County.

Giti Tire, headquartered in Singapore opened its first U.S. plant in Chester County. The global company partnered with Wal-Mart as part of their commitment to purchase $250 billion in products, supporting American jobs.

“This is a really awesome big deal. 1700 jobs, working with a company that we want to work with that moves with speed, does deals with a handshake. We couldn’t be prouder to be part of this,” said Greg Foran, President and C.E.O. of Wal-Mart U.S..

Governor Henry McMaster toured the facility and called the new plant a “game changer”.  He said the best is yet to come because South Carolina has what it takes to be on top.   

“It means that we have all the assets, we have the right vision, we have the right people to create great prosperity and happiness for people right here in South Carolina,” said Gov. McMaster.

The nearly 1.7 million square foot plant will crank out millions of tires a year, for all sorts of on and off road vehicles. Plant workers said they’ve found a career and the future is bright. 

“I worked in manufacturing for 30 years. I worked for Field Crest, they closed in 15, then I worked for Shaw Industrial and they closed in 15 so I was looking for a stable job that I could retire with… It’s like you have to get into something new, something that you don’t know. It’s a new beginning. It’s a new start,” said Brenda Crawford who checks tires for defects.

“There is a future here. You have here a big technology, big plant, so you can make a good future for myself,” said Ahmed Awad.

Governor McMaster said he wants to see manufacturing plants and workforce development program initiatives marry with the states college systems.

Giti Tire has already begun working with York County Technical College in Rock Hill to recruit graduating students. They have also initiated a Math and Science Award program with the Chester County School District, to recruit children in S.T.E.M. fields.