Mitas Tires North America Inc. has launched three tires in the SFT and AC85 ranges as it celebrates 12 months of radial farm tire manufacturing in Charles City, Iowa.
The announcement was made during the company’s board of directors meeting at the Charles City factory. The tires will be available in North America in April and will be made at the factory, which employs 188 people.
“Mitas’ 2012 sales in North America were the best ever,” said Pavel Charvat, president of Mitas Tires North America. “The North American operations represent 10% of all Mitas’ sales.”
Mitas reached total worldwide 2012 sales of $592 million. “Mitas brings tire manufacturing closer to the farmer,” Charvat says.
The three new tire sizes are combine tire 750/65R26 SFT and tractor sizes 380/95R38 AC 85 and 480/95R50 AC 85. The tires will be manufactured in Charles City in response to demand from original farm equipment manufacturers and the replacement tire market, according to the company.
“Customers request larger tires with a lower aspect ratio and improved performance,” said Neil Rayson, senior vice-president for sales and marketing in North America.
Mitas says it will produce tires up to 54 inches diameter and 1,200mm width in Charles City.
By the end of 2013, Mitas plans to install three additional curing presses reaching a total annual production capacity of 13,500 metric tons of tires.
The $53 million investment will provide employment to 237 people in Iowa. The tires produced in Charles City are agricultural radial.
For more information on Mitas in Charles City read:
Mitas ramps up Charles City production
