Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd recently unveiled its strategy to build a new manufacturing plant for passenger car tires in Mexico, with the primary aim of strengthening its tire supply capacity for the North American market. This ambitious project will see the company invest around $380 million to construct a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing an estimated 5 million tires annually.
Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global tire manufacturer known for its innovative and high-quality products. Founded in 1917, Yokohama Rubber has a rich history of tire manufacturing and has expanded its operations to include a wide range of products, including tires for passenger cars, trucks, buses, and off-road vehicles, as well as industrial and construction equipment.
The company is also involved in the manufacture of automotive parts, golf equipment, and other rubber and polymer products. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, Yokohama Rubber continues to be a trusted name in the tire industry, serving customers worldwide.
The groundbreaking for this new plant is slated for the second quarter of 2024, with production expected to commence by the first quarter of 2027. The facility, spanning an impressive 610,000 square meters, has been strategically located in the Mexican state of Coahuila, offering ample space for potential future expansions.
Recognizing the growing demand for tires in the North American market, Yokohama Rubber is keen on establishing local production capabilities to promptly meet customer needs. Moreover, the plant’s proximity to major transportation routes, including a railway line and expressway, will ensure efficient distribution of tires to customers across North America.
In accordance with its consumer tire strategy outlined in the Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026) medium-term management plan, Yokohama Rubber aims to enhance the sales proportions of high-value-added tires. This strategy involves increasing the sales of its internationally renowned ADVAN brand, GEOLANDAR tires designed for SUVs and pickup trucks, winter tires, and tires sized 18 inches and larger.
Furthermore, Yokohama Rubber will persist in implementing Product and Regional Strategies to strengthen the development, supply, and sales of tires customized to meet specific market trends in different regions. The newly established plant, located in the Alianza Industrial Park in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, will be dedicated exclusively to manufacturing passenger car tires.
