Kumho Tire Co. Inc. has started production at its light truck tire plant in Vietnam. The $200 million factory will have an annual production capacity of 3.15 million units.
Kumho plans to expand the plant's capacity to 13 million tires.
"This Vietnam plant is part of Kumho Tires’ global strategy," say Kumho officials. A portion of the tires made there will stay in Asia, while some will be shipped to the Americas and Europe.
With the new plant now on-line, Kumho says its international production of 34 million units will exceed its domestic production of approximately 31 million units this year.
"Kumho hopes to accelerate its recognition as a global player by expanding its international production levels.
"These efforts will be enhanced with the completion of the (truck and bus radial) factory in Nanjing, China -- scheduled for the end of this year -- and commencement of factory construction in (the United States), scheduled for the first half of this year."
Completion of the U.S. plant, located in Georgia, is scheduled for the second half of 2009.
