Thai Coup Has Unknown Impact on Tyre Business

(Akron/Tire Review) Tuesday’s military coup in Thailand, has forced a number of companies to suspend operations. According to reports, a number of Japan-based companies were impacted, including electronics maker Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., which halted the operations at its 21 Thai plants on Wednesday to ensure the safety of employees. Sony Corp., Sanyo Electric, Hitachi Ltd., NEC Corp., Fujitsu Ltd. and Sharp Corp. also suspended operations Bangkok.

It is not known at this time was impact the coup and subsequent instability has had on tire and natural rubber operations in Thailand. Bridgestone has three plants in that country and is building a fourth. Michelin has three tyre plants there, while Goodyear, Maxxis and Yokohama have one tyre plant each in Thailand. There are also a number of Chinese makers with facilities there, as well as local firms.

There have been scattered reports that natural rubber plantations in Thailand remain unaffected.