CHARLES CITY, Iowa-Mitas recently opened its newest radial farm tire factory in Charles City, which coined the word "tractor." Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, Charles City Mayor James Erb and Mitas representatives Tomas Nemec and Oldrich Slemr cut the ribbon to start serial production of farm tires. Mitas announced it would accelerate its $52 million investment to achieve the full production capacity of 13,500 metric tons of tires a year by 2013, which is three years earlier than originally anticipated.
The newly opened plant makes all common agricultural tire sizes and will eventually produce sizes of up to 54 inches diameter and 1,200 mm width. The last curing press will be installed by mid-2013. In April, the factory employed 76 full-time employees recruited locally. By 2013 the plant will employ 237 local residents.
Visit www.mitas-tires.com.