William Schertz [email protected] See All Staff Page Recent Stories Sumitomo ramps up production of Falken line BANFF, Alberta—After Sumitomo Rubber Industries Inc. dissolved its 16-year alliance with Goodyear last October—acquiring Goodyear's 93-year-old factory in Tonawanda, N.Y., in the process—plans for North American production of the firm's Falken-brand tires became inevitable. Sumitomo ramping up Falken production at N.Y. plant BANFF, Alberta—After Sumitomo dissolved its 16-year alliance with Goodyear last October—acquiring Goodyear's 93-year-old factory in Tonawanda, N.Y., in the process—plans for North American production of the firm's Falken-brand tires became inevitable. Toyo Tires bolsters Open Country line CYPRESS, Calif.—Toyo Tire U.S.A. has expanded its Open Country family of tires with the Open Country Q/T premium all-season touring tire and Open Country C/T on-/off-road commercial grade tire. Tire technology: Kumho tech center vital for growth FAIRLAWN, Ohio—As Kumho positions itself for an expanded presence in North America, the tire maker's Kumho American Technical Center will continue to play a big role in its growth. Kumho opens its first N.A. tire plant MACON, Ga.—Eight years after the 2008 international financial crisis, Kumho opened its Macon, Ga. facility. Falken has big plans for North America ST. LOUIS—Sumitomo Rubber Industries is setting itself up for bigger success in North America. USW pushes for changes in wake of victory AKRON—The United Steelworkers union achieved a victory in its mission to gain relief from the influx of tires imported from China, but what comes next for the group on the tire front is uncertain. Goodyear removes Ohio from consideration for new plant AKRON—Goodyear has removed Ohio from consideration for its next tire plant, citing logistics, labor costs and access to a deep-sea port as reasons for the decision. Roberts christens Goodyear's new blimp AKRON—Goodyear's newest airship, Wingfoot One, was officially christened Aug. 23 at the tire maker's Wingfoot Lake Hangar in Suffield, Ohio, by Robin Roberts, the co-anchor of ABC News' “Good Morning America.” Michelin touts EverGrip traction technology DETROIT—”Safe when new. Safe when worn.” That's the tagline for Michelin North America Inc.'s Premier A/S passenger tire featuring EverGrip technology, which the tire maker said allows the tire to maintain traction as the tread wears down. Cooper, Chengshan Group, union sign agreement FINDLAY, Ohio—Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has signed an agreement with Chengshan Group Co. Ltd. and the labor union representing workers at the companies' Cooper Chengshan (Shandong) Tire Co. Ltd. joint venture. Giffords Award winner Bigham refuses to quit Giffords Award winner Bigham refuses to quit New year, same old struggle at Cooper plant Cooper Tire brings temporary workers to Findlay Load More