Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
In a strategic move to enhance its market presence in North America, Japanese tire manufacturer Yokohama has unveiled plans to invest $380 million in a new production facility of approximately 6,565,979 sq. ft.
This strategic investment will be located in the Alianza Industrial Park in Saltillo, a key hub within Mexico’s economic triangle and noted for its proximity to the U.S. border. Saltillo’s choice taps into the city’s strategic advantages and strong logistical capabilities, offering essential connectivity to major transportation routes crucial for efficient supply chain operations.
Yamaishi San, Director of Tires at Yokohama, has emphasized that the new plant’s location is crucial for its strategic advantages, aiding the company’s commitment to improved supply chain efficiency and market responsiveness. This plant will specifically focus on producing passenger car tires, aiming to address the growing demand in the North American market and reduce logistical delays by situating production closer to the consumer base.
Scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027, the plant will boast an impressive annual production capacity of 5 million tires. This aligns with Yokohama’s bigger strategy to expand its global footprint while significantly boosting Saltillo’s economy through job creation and heightened economic activity.
The plant’s groundbreaking event was a significant occasion attended by notable figures, including Masataka Yamishi, chairman and CEO of Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.; Shinichi Takimoto, CEO of Yokohama Corporation North America; and Jeff Barna, President and CEO of Yokohama Tire Corporation. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts and dedication to the Yokohama brand, which were pivotal in bringing this project to fruition.
Local dignitaries, including Manolo Jimenez, governor of Coahuila, and Jose Maria Frausto Siller, mayor of Saltillo, also marked their presence, highlighting the regional government’s support for such significant industrial investments. These investments are expected to draw further foreign investments to the area, solidifying Saltillo’s position as a burgeoning center for international industrial investments.
The new facility is a manufacturing hub and a testament to Yokohama’s commitment to integrating into the local supply chain, leveraging Mexico’s rich network of automotive industry suppliers and skilled labor. This initiative is viewed positively within the North American automotive sector, reflecting a growing trend toward localizing manufacturing operations to swiftly and effectively meet regional demands.
This expansion by Yokohama is set to reinforce its status as a leader in tire technology and innovation, continuing its legacy of delivering high-quality products to a diverse customer base across the U.S. and North America.
About Yokohama Tire Corporation
Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires since 1917. Servicing an extensive sales network throughout the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company’s complete product line includes tires for high-performance, light trucks, passenger cars, and commercial trucks and buses. For more information on Yokohama’s broad product line, www.yokohamatire.com and www.yokohamatruck.com.
