GPX Buys Starbright Factory: Update

Following GPX International’s recent acquisition of the Hebei Starbright tyre factory in China, Tyres & Accessories has learnt that GPX plans to refurbish and modernize the site and expand the range of products produced in the factory. The company is to introduce a full range of bias and radial agricultural tyres, including both 85 series and 70 series radial rear tractor fitments. In addition GPX representatives say the company will install a solid tyre workshop using the technology obtained in its acquisition of US-company Maine Industrial Tire Limited (MITL).

“We will also be developing a line of ST radial tyres and radial skid steer tyres in the small tyre radial production facility we acquired as part of the Hebei Starbright acquisition,” Alex Terber, GPX International’s director of marketing told T&A. The majority of the Chinese plant’s production will be destined for North America as GPX “transitions” its factory in Serbia to a more European product mix. According to the company, this will allow GPX to meet the needs of its European customers exclusively from the Serbian factory.

The Hebei Starbright factory’s current capacity is approximately 90 tons per day, which GPX is hoping to increase to 110 tons per day through improvements in efficiencies and changes in the product mix.