Goodyear to make 63-inch OTR tyres in Kansas

ERJ staff report (DS)

Topeka, Kansas -- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will begin production of 63-inch, 5400 kg off-the-road (OTR) tyres in the fourth quarter of 2010. Goodyear previously announced plans to upgrade its Topeka, Kansas, plant, where work has already begun to prepare for production of the 63-inch tyres.

Goodyear said demand for high performing quality tyres in the 63-inch size has exceeded supply globally for some time. This demand remains strong, even during the current economic slowdown, because of the economic advantages these tyres deliver to customers in longer run hours and less downtime.

Goodyear said the 63-inch radial tyre is a natural extension of the company's full OTR line-up, which has included 57-inch radial tyres for nearly 20 years.

Michelin pioneered the 63-inch tyre as the largest practicable tyre aimed at large off-road dump trucks and mining vehicles.

“The Goodyear 63-inch tyre is a highly engineered product, leveraging Goodyear's design technologies and experience in materials development, process improvements and manufacturing enhancements on large 57-inch radial tyres,” said John Cavanaugh, vice president of Goodyear's off-highway tyre business.. “The Goodyear 63-inch tire was created through a collaborative effort involving multi-discipline teams and will be assembled with latest generation manufacturing equipment.”

The tyres will be produced in a range of sizes and tread depths, including 59/80R63 and 53/80R63 and E3 and E4 tread depths.

Press release from Goodyear