Goodyear to Expand High-Value Tire Production in Poland
AKRON, Ohio, February 20, 2007 - The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced today that its Poland affiliate plans to invest more than $100 million to expand production of high-value tires.
The investment, which will take place over the next four years, will be made at the company's TC Debica operation, one of Goodyear's lowest cost facilities. The investment is consistent with Goodyear's strategy to upgrade and expand existing capacity to produce high performance and ultra-high performance tires.
"This investment demonstrates our commitment to drive our growth by aligning low-cost manufacturing with high-value-added tires," said Goodyear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Keegan. "A continued stream of innovative new products backed by great marketing, and a lower global cost structure create tremendous opportunities for our future."
"This major investment is another clear indication of Goodyear's confidence in Debica's ability to deliver the highest quality products at a competitive cost," said Jarro F. Kaplan, president of Goodyear's Eastern Europe, Africa and Middle East tire business. "This investment will put us in an excellent position to capitalize on the growing market for high performance tires throughout Eastern and Western Europe."
Goodyear holds a 60 percent ownership interest in TC Debica, Poland's largest tiremaker. The company has invested almost $200 million to enhance Debica's operations since acquiring an interest in 1995.
Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. The company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 90 facilities in 28 countries around the world. Goodyear employs more than 75,000 people worldwide.
Contact:
Keith Price,
330-796-1863
