ROME, Ga. — Pirelli, a global leader in tire manufacturing, will create 1,000 new jobs as part of a sweeping, multi-year, $1.2 billion expansion of its existing facility in Rome.
The Georgia governor’s office said the announcement represents one of the largest economic development investments in northwest Georgia’s history and underscores the state’s continued strength as the nation’s premier destination for business.
The groundwork for the deal was laid in 2024, when Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp traveled to Italy on an economic mission and met directly with Pirelli’s senior executives.
That relationship-building trip helped position Georgia as the home for the company’s next chapter of growth.
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“For over two decades, Pirelli has been a valued presence in our state, and I’m thankful that our efforts to grow this partnership are paying off with even more jobs for hardworking Georgians,” Kemp said in a statement. “This historic investment will expand Pirelli’s footprint with roughly five times more positions than they currently employ across the region, and we wish them continued success here in the No. 1 state for business.”
Pirelli’s Georgia facility, at 100 Pirelli Dr. in Rome, has served as the company’s U.S. headquarters and primary manufacturing hub for 24 years. The company moved to the location in 2002.
Pirelli company currently employs 234 across its Rome manufacturing, innovation and headquarters operations.
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The expansion will unfold in two distinct phases. The first phase involves the installation of Pirelli’s latest-generation robotics equipment, representing a major leap in advanced manufacturing technology.
The second phase will add a traditional manufacturing process that will require significant additional hiring. Pirelli expects the bulk of hiring to begin in 2029, with the facility projected to reach full operations by 2033.
Among the technologies being introduced is the Cyber Tyre — Pirelli’s cutting-edge connected tire system that makes vehicles increasingly intelligent.
A company representative said the investment is part of Pirelli’s “local for local” strategy, an effort to build manufacturing capacity where the market demand is strongest.
“The U.S. is one of Pirelli’s most important markets and offers significant opportunities for growth. The expansion of our Rome facility strengthens our ‘local for local’ strategy, increasing our manufacturing capacity in the U.S. while introducing the latest-generation technologies, such as the Cyber Tyre, and advanced robotics,” Pirelli North America CEO Claudio Zanardo said. “This investment will allow us to better serve the needs of the local market, create new jobs, and further strengthen Pirelli’s presence in North America.”
For the community of Rome and Floyd County, the announcement is a milestone. Pirelli has been embedded in the local economy for more than two decades, and local leaders say the expansion is a testament to what long-term corporate citizenship looks like.
Rhonda Wallace, chairwoman of the Floyd County Commission, said news of new business is always enjoyed, but “it is even more meaningful when an existing industry announces an expansion.”
Wallace said Pirelli was a “tremendous community partner” and has been for more than 20 years.
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