Taiwan-based Kenda Rubber has signed an agreement with Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. to make radial passenger tires for the Findlay, Ohio-based manufacturer's International Division.
The tires will be built at Kenda's plant near Shanghai, China, and will be sold under a variety of brand names including Cooper and Avon to European customers through Cooper's Avon Tyre facility in Melksham, England.
"This allows us to shift internal production capacity to the higher speed rated performance radials without major capital outlay," says Dick Stephens, president of Cooper's International Division.
Kenda has already produced Cooper tires for sale in both the United States and Asia.
The deal "will help both companies capitalize on our strengths and position us for continued growth in the U.S. and Asian markets," says Cooper CEO, President and Chairman Tom Dattilo.
