WEST CHICAGO, Ill.—Titan International Inc. employees at its three Midwestern tire plants have ratified new union contracts with the United Steelworkers.
Collective bargaining agreements were reached between the USW and Titan Jan. 21 in Bryan, Ohio (Local 890); Freeport, Ill. (Local 745); and Des Moines, Iowa (Local 164). Each contract is four years in length.
The contracts are for four years; previously Titan's contracts with the USW were for three years. Terms were not disclosed, but Titan said they "are similar to our prior contracts in many aspects with changes that reflect our appreciation for the commitment and didicatiln of our employees."
Titan manufactures off-highway tires, wheels,assemblies and undercarriage components for the construction and agricultural industries.
Paul Reitz, Titan's president and CEO, called the ratification of the new contracts a "win for all parties involved."
"This agreement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the USW and Titan management teams. The tremendous folks in our plants who build our market leading products are critical to Titan's success in meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers."
The new contracts are effective immediately, Reitz said. They cover approximately 1,400 employees at the three plants.
"I believe that the approved four-year contracts will enable us to continue to attract and retain a strong employee base that positions Titan for growth and also solidify our position as a global market leader into the future," Reitz said.
Titan produces custom products that meet the specifications for OEMs and aftermarket customers in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets.