Nexen Tire Corp. plans to break ground on its US$1.1 billion tire plant in Žatec, Czech Republic on October 1. The South Korean tire maker disclosed the details about the plant in the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show.
The plant should be on stream by 2018 with an initial capacity of 6 million units a year, the company said last year. The company plans to double the capacity at a later date.
Nexen, which is exhibiting at the 66th IAA in Frankfurt, said the plant is expected to serve as an important manufacturing hub in supplying OE tires to global car manufacturers in Europe.
Nexen is showcasing a baker’s dozen of summer and winter tires, including the OE tires it’s already supplying along with some concept tires. The booth is designed to evoke the imagery of a wormhole transporting visitors to a distant future, representing the company’s “innovative technologies and outstanding quality products.”
Nexen said it supplies OE tires to a number of car makers, including Fiat-Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing, Fiat S.p.A., and Volkswagen A.G., including VW’s Skoda and SEAT brands.
Nexen also plans to use its presence at the Frankfurt show to promote its sponsorship of Manchester City Football Club.