Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (YRC) plans to build a new consumer and light truck tire plant to serve the North American market.
The YRC board has approved plans to build the plant at the Alianza Industrial Park in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.
“This is a clear signal that Yokohama is committed to the North American market,” said Jeff Barna, Yokohama Tire Corp. president and CEO. “The increased production capabilities will supplement existing global capacity for tires destined for our region."
The plant represents an initial capital investment of $380 million. Construction on the 150-acre site is scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2024. Tire production is expected to start in early 2027, with a planned annual production of 5 million tires.
The company said the site also allows for future expansion.
Yokohama already has one other passenger and light truck tire plant in North America. The site in Salem, Va. began production in 1968.
The company says its latest three-year management plan "aims to maximize the sales ratios of high-value added tires by expanding sales of Yokohama's global flatship Advan brand, the Geolandar brand of tires for SUVs and pickup trucks, winter tires and 18-inch and larger tires." The plan also calls for the continued work to develop and supply tires that "respond to specific trends in each regional market."
