AKRON (June 30, 2008) – Goodyear's expects to begin producing truck tires at its new plant in Dalian, China, in 2012.
The company, which announced the project last week when it disclosed a series of investments and one plant closing, said it will build the facility in Pulandian, about 30 miles from Dalian, where it has acquired land. A spokesman declined to reveal details about the expansion.
Goodyear said the existing plant is hemmed in by other structures and can't be expanded. The company anticipates moving its production equipment to the new facility in 2010. The new facility will allow Goodyear to increase high-end passenger tire capacity and produce truck tires for the first time in China.
Goodyear has a 75-percent ownership stake in the plant, with Dalian General Rubber Factory owning the minority share.