Iranian $200 million tyre factory groundbreaking delayed

Iran’s Sabalan Tyre Co. recently delayed plans to break ground on a $200 million radial tyre plant in Sanandaj, Kordestan province due to bad weather. However, the event is expected to be rescheduled and the project is not expected to be delayed.

The event, which had been scheduled for 5 January 2016, was set to mark the start of a significant investment in Iranian tyre manufacturing. Indeed, the investment is part of a suite of initiatives based on a strategic plan drawn up by Iran’s Industries and Mines Ministry. The strategy document plans for the production of 3 million cars a year and 700,000 tonnes of tyre production capacity in Iran by 2025, as Tyres & Accessories reported in June 2015. And this move was precipitated by both the lifting of international sanctions against Iran and the rapid increase in Chinese tyre imports entering Iran.

In addition, further online news sources suggest major European tyre and machinery companies are in talks with local executives regarding the Sabalan factory project.

As recently as February 2014 and June 2015 Michelin and Apollo respectively spoke of investing in various aspects of the Iranian tyre business.