In April, Mitas celebrates 12 months of farm tire manufacturing at its Charles City facility, which currently employs 188 locals in Iowa. Mitas recently held its board of directors meeting at the facility and launched three new tire sizes in the SFT and AC85 ranges available in North America starting in April.
“Mitas’ 2012 sales in North America were the best ever,” says Pavel Charvat, the President of Mitas Tires North America. “The North American operations represent 10% of all Mitas’ sales.” Mitas reached total worldwide 2012 sales of USD 592 million. “Mitas brings tire manufacturing closer to the farmer,” Charvat adds.
The three new tire sizes are a combine tire, size 750/65R26 SFT, and two tractor sizes 380/95R38 AC 85 and 480/95R50 AC 85. These tires will be manufactured in Charles City, and they respond to the demand from original farm equipment manufacturers and the replacement tire market. “Customers request larger tires with a lower aspect ratio and improved performance,” says Neil Rayson, the Senior Vice-President for Sales and Marketing in North America. Mitas plans to produce tires of up to 54 in. diameter and 1,200 mm width in Charles City.
By the end of 2013, Mitas plans to install three additional curing presses reaching a total annual production capacity of 13,500 metric tons of tires. The USD 53 million investment will provide employment to 237 people in Iowa. The tires produced in Charles City are agricultural radial. Mitas has received investment incentives from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Charles City Development Corporation, Floyd County and North Iowa Community College.
