BUFFALO, N.Y.—Sumitomo Rubber USA produced the first Falken-branded tires this week at the plant in Buffalo it acquired last year from Goodyear, although this is still considered trial production.
“It's great to see the first Falken-branded tire come out of SRUSA,” said Kenji Onga, chairman and CEO of Sumitomo Rubber USA.
“Due to our domestic manufacturing, the tires that come out of Buffalo will enhance the level of service and increase the speed at which product is received for our customers.”
The first commercially ready Falken tires from the Buffalo factory are scheduled to begin shipping in the fourth quarter.
“This event marks not only a bright future for our organization and people, but also represents years of history, dedication, hard work and perseverance from the people of this plant and their families,” said Richard Smallwood, CEO and president of Sumitomo Rubber North America, the Rancho Cucamonga-based sales and marketing arm of Japan's Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.
“The future has never been full with as much potential as it is now for our plant, our brand and our employees,” he added.
SRUSA is a wholly owned subsidiary of SRI that operates the Buffalo factory.