Yokohama Rubber Company has agreed to acquire Japanese tyre manufacturer Aichi Tire Industry Co., Ltd. in order to strengthen its position in the industrial tyre sector.

Aichi Tire, headquartered in Komaki, Aichi, manufactures and sells press-on tyres and solid tyres for industrial vehicles such as gasoline/diesel lift trucks, battery operated vehicles, ice and snow vehicles, and more.The company also manufactures and sells rubber products, such as ball joints for the industry. In addition, Aichi Tire is engaged in the tyre recycling business.

Expanding business in commercial tyres is an emphasis in tyre strategy in the ongoing Phase IV (2015–2017) of Yokohama’s medium-term management plan, Grand Design 100.

Measures for achieving that strategic aim have included opening a Mississippi plant for producing truck and bus tyres in October 2015 and acquiring the Amsterdam-based manufacturer of off-highway tyres, Alliance Tire Group B.V., in July 2016.

Yokohama’s plans call for completing the acquisition by March 2017.