First Tyres From Phase 2 of Hankook Hungary Plant Produced

Hankook Tire reports that the first additional tyres produced at the firm’s Rácalmás, Hungary as part of the factory’s second phase expansion plan have rolled off the production line well ahead of its target date. The construction of the factory’s second phase had started in September 2009 and will reach its full capacity by the second half of 2011. According to the plans, the new 58,000 square metre sized unit will then be able to produce a further 16-17 thousand tyres a day taking daily production at the plant to 34-35 thousand units daily. According to the company, increased demand has allowed Hankook to invest a further 230 million euros in this expansion bring total investment in the site up to 550 million euros.

Hankook Tire Hungary is also hiring 700 new employees during 2010 and 2011. Investments are being made into educating the next generation of rubber professionals to build the required skilled-worker base through the offer of a government accredited tyre manufacturing training course. Organised in partnership with the Hungarian Labour Office, upon completion of the course all participants will automatically qualify for employment by Hankook Tire.

“Thanks to the expanding investment in our ultra-modern factory in Hungary we can satisfy our customer base at an increased level within the growing European market, enabling us to set the highest quality standards. We are glad that the construction and preparations for the new production unit remain on track, allowing us to commence operations sooner than planned”, said Sang II Lee, managing director of Hankook Tire Hungary Ltd.

In response to the increasing demand for winter tyres this season and the overall shortfall in these products in the market; the new unit is currently focused on manufacturing winter as well as all-season tyres – namely the Hankook Winter Icebear W440 tyre and Hankook Optimo 4S.

Company representatives report that, due to the growing demand from its OE and replacement market customers in Europe and the CIS region, the new production unit will play a future key role in Hankook’s strategy on the continent, especially in manufacturing ultra high performance (UHP) passenger car tyres, and run flat tyres, for which the new production unit is equipped with cutting-edge technology. Once full capacity is achieved later next year, the Hankook Tire plant in Rácalmás will further increase its present product range of more than 500 different specifications.

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