Mitas Tires North America Inc. has cured the first test tire at its new Charles City, Iowa, facility. It will soon begin serial production of radial agricultural tires, according to Tomas Nemec, chairman Mitas' parent company, CGS Holding (CGS a.s.).
The test tire is the first tire produced by Mitas on the American continent, says Pavel Charvat, president and plant director. "Now, Mitas is tweaking the machinery, streamlining processes and training workers for the Charles City plant to be ready for serial production in April.”
Mitas has earmarked $52 million for the Charles City investment. In 2013, the factory capacity is slated to reach production of more than 12,000 metric tons of radial tires. Modern Tire Dealer estimates at full capacity, it will be able to produce close to 500 ag tires a day. (See "Mitas breaks ground for Iowa plant.")
“I appreciate the efforts by Charles City and Charles City Area Development Corp. officials and other Iowan authorities to help Mitas make this investment happen,” says Vladimir Dusanek, Mitas’ project director in the United States.
“Mitas’ innovative tires are well accepted by the American farmer," says Neil Rayson, senior vice president of sales. "The farmer will be even more likely to accept Mitas tires made in Iowa."
