Another jobs coup for S.C.

In South Carolina, where 150 new jobs would be happy news, 850 new jobs is an announcement worthy of a big celebration.

And for Aiken County, which doesn't have a Boeing or a BMW, Bridgestone Americas' $1.2 billion investment is particularly welcome. Last week, the company made public its plans for a 1.5-million-square-foot facility for the manufacture of off-road radial tires. And it has announced a 474,000-square-foot expansion of its existing plant that produces passenger and light truck tires.

Bridgestone America CEO/President Gary Garfield said the new facility will strengthen the company's position as "the global leader in the off-road radial tire segment."

Mr. Garfield credited state and local leaders as well as SCE&G, Norfolk Southern Railroad, the Aiken Electric Cooperative and the State Ports Authority for their efforts to recruit Bridgestone. It is not clear how much business Bridgestone will mean for the port, but Jim Newsome, SPA president and CEO, used the announcement to promote the state's ports as "key in providing companies a way to reach world markets."

Gov. Haley said Wednesday's announcement "represents the largest initial capital investment by a company in our state's history. ... This is a continuation of the good work we are doing to partner with companies."

It is also commendable that Bridgestone aims for LEED Construction Certification by incorporating environment-friendly, state-of-the-art technology in the facility.

Aiken County, with a 9 percent unemployment rate in August, is healthier than most of the state's counties, but will enjoy the influx of jobs, both full-time and contracted.

Bridgestone rival Michelin has a large manufacturing facility in Greenville. But there is plenty of room for Bridgestone and its 850 new employees. And then some.