Hankook resumes tire production at fire-hit plant

Seoul – Hankook Tire & Technology has resumed tire production at its Daejeon manufacturing plant following a devastating fire there in March.

In an announcement 1 Sept, the Korean tire maker said it had started production in ‘factory 1’ of the plant following an ‘internal decision’.

Factory 2, it added, remains shut as it was “destroyed” by the fire.

“We are currently examining the details of the accident and the damage situation,” said Hankook statement.

The tire maker said it was “working to minimise losses by promptly handling and recovering from the accident.

Hankook suspended production at the Daejeon facility 13 March, following a major fire.

The fire broke out at the curing process area, but local press quoting fire department officials report that it soon spread to a nearby storage area due to strong winds.

According to the tire maker, the fire-hit plant generated about 16.5% of its annual sales, amounting to over KRW1 trillion (about €720 million).

The facility has the capacity to produce 16.6 million units per year and manufactures passenger car, light truck, truck & bus as well as racing tires.

In April, the tire maker lost a deal to supply tires for the Japan's Super Taikyu racing series due to the fire at the Daejeon plant.

At the time, Super Taikyu Organisation said following the fire, it was informed by Hankook that it would take “at least a year and a half to supply tires,” to the event.