NIZHNEKAMSK, Russia (Oct. 15, 2014) — Russian tire maker Nizhnekamskshina recently produced the 2 millionth all-steel radial truck tire at its dedicated radial plant in Nizhnekamsk.
Nizhnekamskshina commissioned the factory in early 2011 after a two-year, $575 million construction project.
The 2 millionth tire was a Kama NF202, size 315/70 R22.5, assembled by line workers Rustem Vafin and Rustem Shavaliev and vulcanizer Rustam Khabibullin, the company said.
Nizhnekamskshina said the Kama-brand all-steel radials can carry 8-percent more load per tire than the company's previous steel-and-textile constructions and reduce fuel consumption by around 10 percent.
The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of OOO Tatneft-Neftekhim Mgt. Co., also produces Continental-brand tires at the plant under an off-take agreement with Continental A.G., which supplies technical support.
The plant, which has capacity for 54 sizes of tires for trucks, buses and semi-trailer equipment, has an annual nameplate capacity of 1.2 million units.
Other major customers include the vehicle makers JSC Kamaz, JSC NefAZ and MZ Tonar, along with Russian transportation companies Celta and Mosgortrans.