Goodyear adds automated run-flat manufacturing line in Germany

GENEVA, Switzerland (March 11)—Goodyear has brought on stream a fully automated, robotic-based manufacturing system at its Fulda, Germany, plant dedicated to making run-flat tires. The new process—Runflat System for Automated Manufacturing or RFSAM—is described as "highly automated, hands-off technology" designed to help assure the quality and integrity of such tires. Goodyear already is making its own EMT sidewall-reinforced run-flat tires at Fulda, and said the new system is capable of making the asymmetric-beaded tires for the Pax extended mobility system developed by Groupe Michelin. Goodyear intends to install RFSAM production cells at its Hanau, Germany, and Lawton, Okla., plants before year-end 2003. Goodyear said it will sell more than 1 million EMTs by year-end 2002.