Pirelli to dedicate Rome, Ga., plant Aug. 17

ROME, Ga. (Aug. 13)—Pirelli Tire North America Inc. will dedicate its $141 million Rome tire plant Aug. 17, with Georgia Gov. Roy E. Barnes scheduled to take part in the festivities. The 400,000-sq.-ft. plant is equipped with Pirelli's Modular Integrated Robotized System production unit, which will be dedicated to producing performance tires, according to earlier announcements. Earlier Pirelli said it would install four to five MIRS production modules initially, creating annual capacity of 500,000 to 625,000 units. Pirelli in the past has said it would employ 250 workers in tire production. The Rome facility also is Pirelli's new North American commercial headquarters and research and development center.