Linglong to build tyre factory in the Americas
Following the construction of Linglong’s European production base in Serbia, the company is now considering options in “the Americas” (Image: Linglong)
Linglong Tire will build its next tyre factory in the Americas region. Tyres & Accessories learnt the news during a recent interview with Linglong Tire chairman Wang Feng, which took place alongside an exclusive tour of the company’s new European tyre production facility in Serbia.
News of the new factory came as Wang Feng explained the company’s wider tyre production capacity expansion strategy: “In 2010, our global development strategy was 3+3. But in 2021 we adjusted it to 7+5 and that means we will have seven Chinese production bases and five overseas production bases.”
Continuing on the subject of Linglong’s next tyre manufacturing operation, “Our first overseas plant was in Thailand…Our second [overseas] plant is in Europe [that is Serbia]…” Mr Wang, explained, casually dropping in the news that “our third plant will be in the Americas”.
The final decision on the location of that plant has been scheduled for 2023, with construction work set to begin in 2024. “Research reports” relating to this project are currently underway.
“Our first overseas plant was in Thailand…Our second [overseas] plant is in Europe [that is Serbia]…” Mr Wang, commented, casually adding: “our third plant will be in the Americas…”
What we do know is that the location decision will be made and announced in 2023, with construction work beginning in 2024. When the project does officially get underway, it will be a 12-million-passenger-car-tyre and 2-million-truck-tyres a year factory. Again, OE plays a significant part in the strategy associated with this particular tyre factory investment. Specifically, continuing his earlier comments on OE connections with the Serbia plant, Mr Wang said: “…if [the OEMs] have factories in the Americas, we will supply them from there…”.
No financial details have yet been released, but the way Linglong has invested in its Chinese, Thai and Serbia factories suggests the “Americas” project will attract a significant level of investment.
The complete interview which covers details of Linglong’s international expansion plans, product strategy and latest technology will be published in the March edition of Tyres & Accessories and later online at Tyrepress.com.
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