Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.'s Texarkana, Ark., plant will move to a 24-hour, seven-day production schedule "in response to growing market demand," according to Cooper officials. The new schedule will begin Jan. 1, 2010.
Two hundred additional employees will be required to support the increased volume.
"We are excited about this opportunity to enhance our production capabilities," says John Bodart, vice president of manufacturing for Cooper's North American Tire unit.
At capacity, the factory can build 24,000 passenger and 8,000 light truck tires per day, according to Modern Tire Dealer research.
"Through a focus on continuous improvement, we are always in a process of improving our capabilities. This allows us to deliver high quality, cost competitive products to our customers and consumers. These moves are logical steps that align with our strategic goals."
