SEMA/AAPEX 2013: Triangle to add 5th factory in Shandong

Triangle did not disclose its investment at this time. The tire maker's other four factories are all in the Weihai area, with combined manufacturing capacities of more than 30 million units, including 24 million radial, according to company data. Annual rubber mixing capacity is more than 500,000 metric tons. The product portfolio ranges from passenger to large OTR.

The project ties into Triangle's global growth aspirations, according to Chairman Ding Yuhua, and as such is being designed to meet or exceed prevailing global ecological and energy-saving standards.

During the press conference Mr. Ding concentrated on Triangle's commitments to green efforts in its growth—a strategic growth policy the executive has championed for several years.

Mr. Ding and Jenner Powell, marketing vice president, also stressed that the new plant, along with additional investments in a Shanghai commercial/marketing center and expanded research and development assets, support Triangle's efforts to establish the Triangle brand as a global premium brand.

The new marketing team in Shanghai will be tasked with shaping the Triangle brand message to be more consistent on a global basis, the two executives said.

One of the key efforts will be in North America, where the Triangle brand is distributed by a number of key wholesale distributors.

Mr. Ding stressed the company will honor all existing distribution agreements in North America but will work with distributors to craft a brand message consistent with the global strategic goals.

Triangle Group is the No. 3 tire maker in China and 16th worldwide, with sales in 2012 of $2.47 billion.

Among Triangle's key distributors in North America is Horizon Tire Co.

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