Toyo will increase production at U.S. plant

May 22, 2008

Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. plans to boost annual production at its Toyo Tire North American Manufacturing Inc. plant in White, Ga., by 2.4 million units in 2010 and 3.2 million units the following year.

"In May 2007, the plant began gradually ramping up its capacity, but in order to meet current strong demands and prepare for future business expansion in North America, it was decided that further capacity would be necessary," say Toyo officials.

Toyo estimates investment in the ramp-up will total 28 billion yen.

The company also has announced plans to build a new tire plant in Asia. "The location of the plant will be chosen from among a list of Asian cities for scheduled completion during fiscal year 2010."

Total investment will amount to around 24 billion yen. The factory is expected to produce four million tires, mainly passenger tires, by early 2012.