Spartanburg, S.C. —Trelleborg inaugurated its first North American manufacturing facility dedicated to the manufacture of premium radial tires for agricultural machineryin Spartanburg, S.C.

Representing a $50 million investment, the 40,000 square meter/430,000 square foot production facility expands the group’s global reach in the ag tire market and is forecast to create around 150 jobs by 2018.

Paolo Pompei, president Agricultural & Forestry Tires at Trelleborg Wheel Systems, says, “Today, we are honored to be here cutting the ribbon to open our new tire manufacturing facility in the U.S. and to celebrate this special moment in the presence of our guests from all over the world, including representatives from leading tractor manufacturers, the governor of South Carolina, Niki Haley, as well as Ulf Berghult, CFO Trelleborg AB, and Maurizio Vischi, president of Trelleborg Wheel Systems.”

“North America is the largest agricultural market in the world and it is highly attractive for us. Demand for extra-large agricultural tires, where Trelleborg is a market leader, is growing in the region. Although we already sell our products in the U.S. and Canada, local production offers considerably more favorable conditions, thus enhancing our competitiveness.

“We are now located in a modern facility in a prime location with state-of-the-art equipment designed according to the latest Trelleborg technology standards. This means we will be able to capitalize on existing partnership agreements with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors, while facilitating the transfer of technology from one part of the world to another.

“The Spartanburg…