SPARTANBURG, S.C.—Trelleborg Wheel Systems Americas has started production of agricultural tires at a plant in Spartanburg, where it's budgeted $50 million through 2018 to convert a former coated fabrics facility to tire production.
This action coincides with the announcement that Trelleborg is offering to buy CGS Holding a.s., parent of Czech agricultural and industrial tire maker Mitas a.s., in a $1.25 billion deal that will create the world's largest agricultural/specialty tire and wheel company.
The first tire out of the mold at the 480,000-sq.-ft. factory was a TM600 drive tire in size 480/-80R20, a tire designed for medium power tractors.
“Having a manufacturing presence in North America is central to our growth strategy,” said Andrea Masella, country manager, agricultural and forestry tires for Trelleborg Wheel Systems Americas. “The manufacture of our first North American-made agricultural tire represents a significant milestone for us and for our customers.”
The new plant provides Trelleborg with increased production capacity and a domestic source of tires for North American farm equipment makers and tire dealers, Mr. Masella said.
“The Spartanburg facility is one of the most automated manufacturing facilities in the agricultural industry,” Marco D'Angelo, industrial director, Trelleborg Wheel Systems, said.
Trelleborg expects to employ up to 150 at the plant by 2018.