Mitas speeds up US plant plans, consolidates brands

Mitas Tires North America Inc. said it is boosting its investment in its new plant in Charles City, Iowa, in a move to hasten build of plant capacity. The 19 per cent investment boost takes to $51 million the amount Mitas is putting into the facility, and will shorten the construction project from five to three years. The additional funds will be directed toward tyre building equipment and curing presses, and by late 2013, the factory capacity is planned to reach 12,000 metric tons of tyres annually. In addition, Mitas officials said that tyres produced at the plant will bear the “Mitas AC” marking, with Mitas phasing out the Continental agricultural tyre brand in North America next year.

“It’s a win-win for the farmer and U.S. manufacturing with Mitas AC,” Neil Rayson, president of Mitas North America. “Mitas will provide the same world-class tires for the U.S. market, but they will now be manufactured right here in the U.S., in Charles City, Iowa.

Current Continental ag dealers will sell Mitas AC tyres, Rayson said. In order to support a smooth transition from Continental to Mitas, Mitas will improve availability, increase regular supply and boost its presence at local farm shows, while upgrading sales literature, providing improved warranties and offering signage for sales outlets.

“The dealers who now distribute Continental agricultural tyres will become the core of our premium Mitas AC distributor network,” Rayson said. (Tire Review)

Related news:

• Work starts on Mitas US plant conversion

• Somr named Mitas plant director in Ruma

• Mitas introduces Agraterra flotation tyre

• Mitas to rename sales network