Toyo Tires setting up European R&D centre

In just a few months’ time, Toyo Tire Corporation will begin research and development work at a new site in Europe. The tyre maker is setting up an R&D centre in Willich, Germany to support its future factory in Serbia, and intends to start operations there in the autumn. Having a local R&D presence in the vicinity of vehicle manufacturers and related companies will, says Toyo, be beneficial in terms of the quality and freshness of the information gained.

The ten employees earmarked to work at the 2,500 square metre facility (including three assigned from Japan) will primarily be engaged in the survey and evaluation of raw materials, tyre assessment and accumulating information. The centre will contain materials testing and chemical analysis facilities.

The Europe R&D Center complements facilities that the tyre maker already operates in Japan and the USA.