Cooper Tire Moving to 24/7 Operations at Texarkana Plant

Production capacity is to be expanded at Cooper Tire & Rubber’s Texarkana, Arkansas facility. The company reports that, in response to growing market demand for its products, operations at the Texarkana passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyre plant will shift to a 24/7 operation as of January 1, 2010. Approximately 200 additional employees will be needed to support this increased production volume, which will be phased in over several months in 2010.

“We are excited about this opportunity to enhance our production capabilities,” said John Bodart, Cooper Tire’s vice president of Manufacturing for its North American Tire Division. Cooper has also recently announced expansion plans at its Tupelo, Mississippi plant and the continual ramp-up of its operations in Mexico. The Company’s Findlay, Ohio, manufacturing plant is also expected to increase production volumes.

“Through a focus on continuous improvement we are always in a process of improving our capabilities,” continued Bodart. “This allows us to deliver high quality, cost competitive products to our customers and consumers. These moves are logical steps that align with our strategic goals.”