Tyre maker Michelin, will cut 2,000 jobs - about 7 per cent of its workforce - from its North American operations.
The company blames a downturn in the tyre market and the need to increase its long-term competitiveness.
In a statement, Michelin said it hopes to complete much of the cut through normal attrition and voluntary severance programmes.
Spokeswoman Ms Nancy Banks said cuts would affect all aspects of Michelin's operations. It has 23 plants in North America and employs 26,500 people.
The jobs cuts had been expected for months after Michelin North America announced in the spring it would cut $125 million in operating costs.
The company has since announced it needs to cut costs by an additional $75 million.
Michelin's other operations worldwide have also been hit. The company is in the process of cutting 7,500 jobs in Europe.
Despite the cuts, the company plans to invest in several South Carolina plants.
PA