One 40-inch truck tire was produced, and it was the first to be rolled off the production line at the plant’s grand opening. Continental intends to hire at least 250 workers when production officially starts in early 2020. This number will rise to 500 at the end 2020, and 2,500 in 2028. “In Mississippi we believe in hard work’s purpose and dignity. “We believe God created each of us to work,” stated Republican Lt. Governor. Tate Reeves was a gubernatorial hopeful during the ceremony. “And the best thing to unlock every Mississippian’s potential and the way that we can unlock the potential of the state is to create an atmosphere for more high-quality job opportunities like those being created today.” Continental stated it will pay an average salary at $40,000 to its employees, but it has not provided specific ranges for the 2,000 workers it plans to employ. Officials praised the efforts of the Mississippi Development Authority, state legislators, and county supervisors in bringing the German-made manufacturer to Mississippi in 2016. The state provided tax incentives and state funding to help the company locate in Mississippi. This was a difficult start for the company. Critics of the deal criticized the use of taxpayer funds for the plant. The memorandum d’ understanding for the project showed that the money would be used to pay for items like buildings, fixtures and railway improvements, as well as for fire protection improvements. The incentives could also be used to pay for inspection, testing, and design surveying for the construction of industrial access roads, as well as equipment and employee training facilities. The plans to relocate New Salem, an historic cemetery that was discovered at the project site, caused controversy early in the process. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History compiled a cultural-assets report on the site in 2014. It mentioned New Salem and noted that the headstones of the cemetery were consistent with 19th-century planter-class. The report also pointed out that there were unmarked graves in the cemetery, most likely belonging to African Americans who were enslaved and buried on the grounds. These graves were to be moved to Bolton Cemetery, according to plans. But, African American residents who grew-up in the area, just outside Bolton, reported to Mississippi Today and other media outlets that there was another all-black cemetery at the site. This prompted officials to search for more graves during summer 2016. Following the conclusion of state economic development officials that there was no such cemetery, anthropological and archaeological teams from University of Mississippi Center for Archaeological Research began a two-year-long effort to examine and reinterrest remains from 250 graves. However, parts of the historic site weren’t moved to Bolton cemetery. This included iron fencing that was originally attached to some graves. According to MDA, the fence was “rusted beyond repair” and/or bent over time by nature and trees. According to the agency, the reinterments were complete in late 2018. Local officials are optimistic that the new plant will be a boon for the region now that it has been opened. It is one of our best investments. This investment will yield dividends for many decades, because there is so much space and area for expansion, which allows us to build car tires instead of truck tires,” Rep. Kathy Sykes (D-Jackson) told Mississippi Today. “I am optimistic about what the future holds for citizens in Hinds County, Mississippi,” Peggy Calhoun, Hinds County Supervisor, said that the state’s “covert deal” was a secretive deal. She also acknowledged that local officials didn’t know who the company was until it was completed. Sykes said that some members of the Legislature were subject to a lot of criticism because of this investment. Sykes explained that Mississippi is in desperate need of these jobs and the process for recruiting businesses can be extremely competitive. Paul Williams, a Continental Tire vice-president, stated that the company had visited several states and found Mississippi to be the best. He spoke at the opening about the “strong leadership by your governor” and referred to Gov. Phil Bryant. Michael Washington, a Continental Tire employee, started at the company in April and plays a key role in the early stages of tire production. Washington is a lab quality technician. He takes raw materials, including steel, chemicals and natural rubber, from the warehouse to the plant laboratory where he inspects their quality. In early 2019, Washington applied for 16 jobs at Continental “just to see which one would be accepted.” To make his application stand out, he added the Continental logo watermark to his resume. Washington was a contract quality controller at the Canton Nissan plant. The plant experienced layoffs last spring. Washington had worked there for seven years. Washington stated that the work was no longer needed. He also receives more from Continental, which is in the $20-per-hour or close to the $43,500 state median household income. It’s also a shorter commute from Clinton. Washington stated that he hopes to be able to progress through the company by working at the tire plant in its early years. Washington said, “I want to see them stand by what they say.” Washington stated that Washington knows of many places that say one thing but do the other. R.L. R.L.