COVINGTON, Ga. (June 14)—Michelin Retread Technologies Inc. is doubling capacity for "Pre-Mold" precured tread rubber at its 5-year-old Covington tread rubber plant to meet increased demand.
The expansion will include adding capacity for new technologies, including co-extruded rubber and extra wide treads for Michelin's X One wide single truck tires, said John Yarbro, facility manager. Michelin did not disclose the cost of the project or when it should be on stream. The firm spent $15 million in 1999 to build the 92,000-sq.-ft. structure.
Since the factory opened in late 1999, the number of licensed MRT retread shops has nearly doubled to 45 from 23.
Michelin claims its MRT system "brings new-tire technology to retreaded tires" through the use of proprietary Michelin tread rubber compounds and patterns.