Titan International Inc. is conducting a study on the feasibility of making 57- and 63-inch radial OTR tires, which are in short supply. "Titan has the engineering and technical expertise to offer these sizes," says Titan Chairman and CEO Morry Taylor.
Titan officials say the company has researched production costs to build up to 6,000 63-inch tires annually and could begin production as early as next year.
However, investment in larger building equipment and molds -- plus commitments from mining companies -- would be needed first.
The specialty tiremaker has enlisted Merrill Lynch to provide advice regarding the possible increase.
Titan is currently boosting its selection of radial tires made at its Bryan, Ohio, plant "through size 51-inch using both old and new 15-degree tire technology," say company officials.
