Image by Flickr user vagawi 

Yes, you read that right: Tire International, a U.S.-based tire recycling company, is moving its operations to the Lowcountry from China.

And the best news is that they're bringing 150 job openings with them.

Tire International is working on consolidating its operations in an existing plant in Berkeley County and hopes to be totally set up within the next nine months.

While you may be wondering how it's more efficient to move from China, which is notorious for its cheap labor, to Moncks Corner, consider this: Most people in China ride bicycles, so there's not nearly as much rubber to be recycled over there as there is here in the good ol' U.S. of A.

Tire International will be using Energy City Tire Recycling, which is on Cypress Gardens Road, to recycle tires and create a range of products including rubber mulch and pavers.

The company hopes to begin hiring for 60 to 70 positions in August and September. After their operations have been completely relocated, they will focus on filling the remaining positions. Tire International hopes to be completely operational in February or March of 2012.

If you're interested in applying for one of the open positions, either visit the plant at 1620 Cypress Gardens Road or call the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce in Moncks Corner at (843) 761-4400.

And get the full scoop on Tire International's consolidation efforts over at The Post and Courier's report here.