Petlas invests $360m in new tyre production facility

Production expansion will increase Petlas tyre production tonnage by 42%, creating 1,850 jobs

Petlas will invest $360 million in the construction of a new light vehicle tyre production facility adjacent to the Turkish company’s existing plant in Kırşehir. The new production line will produce 100,000 tons of tyres for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, increasing the manufacturer’s total capacity by 42 per cent, reaching 340,000 tons. It will create around 1,850 new roles. Petlas expects to break ground on the new factory in 2023, with completion slated for 2024-25.

Petlas general manager Hakan Yalnız says the new plant will be equipped with state-of-the-art tyre production technologies. In its totality, Petlas’ Kırşehir manufacturing facility will continue the European industry trend for larger capacity “mega” tyre factories in Central and Eastern Europe. Petlas adds that the Kırşehir facility, already large, will use the expansion to maintain its position as the biggest tyre factory under one roof in the region. The announcement of its plans underlines that Petlas wants to consolidate its status as a major player in tyre manufacturing – it is currently Turkey’s largest tyre exporter and the expansion will support the strengthening of its global business, helping it to reach new markets.

Petlas states the new production line “demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to growth, innovation, and maintaining a leading position in the tyre manufacturing industry.” It adds that “considerable financial investment” also demonstrates its commitment to delivering “high-quality products to its customers, increasing production capabilities, and contributing positively to the local and global economies.”

Petlas was established in 1976, initially producing aviation tyres. Following its acquisition by Abdulkadir Özcan Group (AKO) in 2005, the manufacturer has expanded its production portfolio, focusing on exports.