TODAY'S HEADLINES | APRIL 26, 2012

Michelin reports 24% hike in specialty tires for Q1

The France-based tire maker cited “robust demand” in mining and construction for its Earthmover tires, which are manufactured in South Carolina. Overall, Michelin reported net sales for the quarter rose 5.1% to 5.3 billion Euros or about $7 billion.

Senate passes Charleston Harbor bond bill

Senators passed a bond bill today to provide funds for the federal government’s share of the Charleston Harbor deepening project. The measure will now go to the S.C. House, according to a spokeswoman for the S.C. State Ports Authority.

Rhodia develops silica grades to improve tire resistance

Rhodia Inc. said it has developed silica grades that will improve the rolling resistance of automobile tires by up to 25% and vehicle gas mileage by as much as 7%. The specialty chemical company has two manufacturing facilities in South Carolina.

Homeowners Mortgage appoints new managing director

As managing director and COO, Spence Cosby will help lead the mortgage-banking company from its Columbia headquarters. He has more than 30 years of experience in multi-state mortgage banking.

Precision Automotive buys former bank building

The former Arthur State Bank building, located on Garners Ferry Road in Columbia, was sold for approximately $550,000. Jeff Hein and Roger Winn, both members of NAI Avant’s brokerage team, represented Precision Automotive Group LLC.

BMW names government relations manager

Max Metcalf, who has managed BMW’s corporate communications in Spartanburg County since Gov. Haley appointed Bobby Hitt to lead the S.C. Department of Commerce, will become the manager of government and community relations for the company.

Earnings continue to rise at World Acceptance

A string of record quarterly results that began in 2009 has continued for Greenville-based lender World Acceptance Corp. The company said today that revenues rose nearly 9% and earnings per share rose 20% during its fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31.

List of the Week

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