Kumho Plant to Make Tires for U.S.

Some products made at Kumho Tire's recently announced first European plant will be sold in the United States.

The new plant, which will be located in Opole, Poland, is scheduled to begin operations in August 2028, "pending investment and regulatory approval," according to Kumho officials.

"The first phase will support an annual production capacity of six million tires, with phased expansions planned according to market demand."

The total investment is valued at $587 million USD.

Kumho says it evaluated several European countries as potential locations for the new plant, "assessing factors such as site suitability, sales growth potential, investment stability, profitability and available incentives. After a thorough review of the final two candidate regions, the company selected Opole for its logistical advantages, skilled workforce, competitive infrastructure, stable access to the European market and the attractive incentives offered by the Polish government."

The factory will "support the company's European sales expansion, strengthen core competitiveness and enhance its premium brand image." Some products made at the plant will also be shipped to the U.S.

In addition, the plant is expected to "significantly improve (Kumho's) OE responsiveness and create new opportunioties for collaboration with leading automotive brands," according to Kumho officials.

Europe is an area of "substantial strategtic importance for Kumho, with European sales making up approximately 26.6% of the company's total revenue in 2024."

In addition, Kumho says it plans to complete a new factory in Hampyeong, South Korea, by the end of 2027. It will have an annual production capacity of 5.3 million tires.

"With the confirmation of the Polish site, the company is set to build a fully integrated production network spanning Asia, Europe and North America."