Mitas' Iowa plant cures first tyre

ERJ staff report (TB)

Charles City, Iowa - Farm and industrial tyre manufacturer Mitas Tires North America Inc. has cured the first test tyre at its new Charles City plant.

“This test tyre is the first tyre produced by Mitas on the American continent. Now, Mitas is tweaking the machinery, streamlining processes and training workers for the Charles City plant to be ready for serial production in April,” said Pavel Charvat, president and plant director. The exact date of the official opening of the plant and start of serial production will be announced later, he said.

Mitas is investing $52 million to convert the former Winnebago recreational vehicle assembly plant to manufacturing Mitas-brand farm tyres. In 2013, the factory is expected to reach annual capacity of more than 12,000 metric tons of radial tyres.

The Czech parent company's OE and aftermarket sales of tyres in North America reached a record level in 2011, according to Neil Rayson, senior vice president for sales at Mitas' US Subsidiary.

“Mitas' innovative tyres are well accepted by the American farmer,” he noted. “The farmer will be even more likely to accept Mitas tyres made in Iowa.”

From Tire Business  (A Crain publication)

Press release from Mitas