VMI expands factory in Poland, opens service center in Thailand

AMSTERDAM—VMI Group has brought online an expansion of its factory in Lezano, Poland, and officially opened a new service center in Thailand.

The Amsterdam-based maker of tire manufacturing machinery opened two manufacturing halls at its facility in Poland. Cost of the project was not revealed.

The factory opened in 2017 to enhance the global manufacturing base of VMI to facilitate "continuing growth and deliver the service that the modern tire industry demands," VMI said in a statement.

The expansion doubles the size of the plant.

VMI also appointed Magda Sadowska as general manager of the operation. The firm said she is an expert in lean manufacturing and quality systems. Sadowska and former General Manager Jos van Oosterbousch built the factory from scratch into a site that now boasts a "highly educated and motivated work force of over 150, with an ambitious recruitment and training program ongoing."

"We are convinced that the strategic role of Poland will contribute to the continued growth of VMI," CEO Harm Voortman said in a statement.

VMI said the opening of the facility in Chon Buri Province, Thailand, underlines its commitment to building an organization of global supply that is supported by a local service network. The Thailand unit is the ninth service center globally.

The Thailand center employs engineers who can support the local tire, can and care customers of VMI and is equipped with specialized tooling required for servicing VMI mechanical drums.

VMI Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of TKH Group N.V. It employs more than 1,600 worldwide.