It has been a long time in the making.
Monday marks almost eight years to the day that Kumho Tires announced its intentions to open up a plant in Macon. There were some setbacks, but that day is finally here.
Local and state officials, including Gov. Nathan Deal, gathered at the new 1 million-square-foot facility Monday for the official ribbon cutting.
The plant has been open for a couple of months.
"It's a great day," said Pat Topping of the Macon Economic Development Commission. "It's a testament to the workforce in this county."
The plant will have 400 employees when it's at full capacity.
"Anytime you have a project like this that opens in your backyard, there's going to be a big ripple effect," said the Stephen Adam of the Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority.