CYPRESS, Calif. (Aug. 30)—Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. has restructured its North American operations, creating Toyo Tire International to oversee its holdings.
Carlos Kibata, former president of Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corp., becomes president of TTI, overseeing Toyo's North American holdings, which comprise Toyo Tire (U.S.A.), Toyo Tire North America Inc., Nitto Tire North America and Nitto Tire Mexico. In addition, Masaharu Yoshimoto, former president of Toyo Tire, Australia, has been promoted to president and CEO of Toyo Tire (U.S.A.).
Toyo said its brand has undergone significant growth since the formation of Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) in 1966. In 2000, Nitto Tire North America was established, and Toyo broke ground in 2004 on a tire plant in Bartow County, Ga. Known as TNA, the factory is intended to meet increased demand for passenger and light truck tires in North America.
"This new corporate structure ensures Toyo Group's commitment to the North American market with investments in manufacturing and warehouse facilities on U.S. soil," Kibata said. "Toyo Tires is dedicated to providing quality products for the North American consumer through our company's loyal network of independent tire dealers."