Goodyear eyes 'phased restart' of some commercial tire production

Akron, Ohio - Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. said it plans a "phased restart" of production at some of its commercial truck tire plants in the US and Europe, as early as this month.

In a 16 April statement, Goodyear said it continues to evaluate production plans around the world, as most of its manufacturing facilities in the Americas and Europe, as well as several of its plants in Asia Pacific, remain closed.

The company said the decision to resume production will be based on market demand signals, inventory and supply levels, as well as its ability to keep its associates safe in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rich Kramer, chairman, CEO and president of Goodyear, told ERJ sister publication Tire Business last week that, the tire maker would like to begin to restart plants in early May, but would take its cue from its original-equipment vehicle customers.

Goodyear said its plant in Pulandian, China, is operating with all of its workforce and is expected to ramp up production throughout the second quarter.

Kramer reiterated that the "health and well-being of our associates" remain the company's top priority.