Toyo U.S. Plant Expansion May Get Underway in Summer
However, Toyo says that plans are already in place to install new machinery and expand production capabilities as early as this summer. Output is projected to reach 4 million tires by 2012, and Toyo has indicated it will increase the plant`s workforce to accommodate this higher level of production.
`North America continues to be the most important market for both the Toyo and Nitto brands,` said Kenji Nakakura, president and CEO of parent company, Toyo Tire & Rubber. `Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, strategically located in the United States, benefits both dealers and consumers by delivering our premium tires faster while reducing overall costs. I can confidently say, as a company we will continue to invest in the United States.`
The White factory, where the Toyo and Nitto brands are manufactured, recently produced its five-millionth tire. The facility opened in December 2005 and utilizes a highly automated tire production system known as Advanced Tire Operation Module (ATOM).
The system is designed for multi-product, small-lot production with reduced lead times, and the tire maker says ATOM delivers highly consistent, highly uniform tires.
`We are proud to have achieved this historic milestone in our company,` commented Jim Hawk, president and CEO of Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing, regarding the production of tire number five million. `It is with great thanks to the dedicated employees of this company, and to the support we receive from the State of Georgia.`
