As if a new manufacturing plant and European production subsidiary weren't enough, Toyo Tire Corp. is opening its first European R&D center. Based in Willich, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the center is scheduled to begin operation this fall.
Toyo says the objective of the technology development site extends beyond strengthening the capability of product development in Europe. It also corresponds "to the movement of next-generation mobility.
With the establishment of the center, Toyo will have technology development sites in the United States, Japan and Europe. The company will enhance its capability of development among the current R&D centers and the new European center by combining and sharing the knowledge and information collected.
On July 30, 2019, Toyo announced it will build a tire plant in the Republic of Serbia, with tire production to start in January 2022.
"With Europe being a home to large numbers of top-ranking automobile manufacturers and automobile-related companies, to have a base in Europe is beneficial to Toyo -- especially in terms of the quality and fresh information."
Toyo said the R&D center will combine material research with technology development and fulfill the function of ensuring the development and production of high performance, high-value-added tires in the new plant developed on site.
"Going forward, in conjunction with the beginning of full-fledged operations at the new tire plant in the Republic of Serbia, Toyo will continuously enhance its foundation for various types of technology in the field of tire compounding, production method, assessment and simulation technology which leads to strengthening Toyo’s strategic products. Such aim has already led Toyo to start its study of future expansion of the R&D function in Europe beyond this site."
| Facility name | Europe R&D Center |
| Location | Willich, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| No. of employees | Approximately 10 (as of 2022, including three assigned from Japan) |
| Main functions | Survey and evaluation of raw materials; tire assessment and information collection; etc. |
| Building area | Approximately 2,500 square meters, or .6 of an acre |
| Main facilities | Materials testing facilities, chemical analysis facilities |
