Cooper names general manager for China plant venture

ERJ staff report (TB)

FINDLAY, Ohio (Oct. 16, 2009) - Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has named Steven Zhou general manager of Cooper Chengshan (Shandong) Tire Co. Ltd., (CCT) Cooper's joint venture in Rongchen City, China.

Mr. Zhou will report directly to Asian Operations Vice President and General Manager Allen Tsaur and will be responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the manufacturing operations at CCT, Cooper said. He will assume his new role Dec. 11.

The factory employs 5,000 and manufactures tyres, inner tubes and truck flaps.

“CCT is an integral part of our company's strategic plan,” said Hal Miller, Findlay-based Cooper's International Tire Division president. “As we continue to remold our global footprint to support the growing domestic and export markets, it is critical that the products we manufacture in Asia continue to conform to the highest quality standards and meet customer delivery requirements. We are confident in Steven´s ability to manage this facility and to provide the products we need.”

Mr. Zhou has business experience in both China and the U.S., including 12 years with Timken Co., where most recently he served in China as general manager and as a member of the board of directors for Timken's wholly-owned manufacturing entity in China.

Mr. Zhou replaces Chuck Taylor, who has served as CCT general manager since 2007 and will become general manager, strategic planning and ERP readiness in Shanghai, China.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)