Matador to cease Nokian off-take

Puchov, Slovakia - Following the acquisition by Continental AG of 51 percent of the equity in Matador's rubber activities, the Matador tyre factory in Puchov, Slovakia is to cease the manufacture of Nokian-brand tyres.

In November 2004 Nokian announced it was planning to spend €3 million to help Matador buy equipment to make up to 1 million Nokian branded tyres each year. In 2004 production was due to rise from 300 000 units to 500 000 units in 2005, eventually rising to 1 million units per year, destined primarily for markets in Eastern Europe.

During a tour of the factory following the announcement of the Conti acquisition, a Matador spokesman confirmed that the offtake deal will cease under Continental, even though ERJ photographed (above) some Nokian tyres still being made in the plant.

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Nokian Tyres extends contract with Matador-to one million tyres eventually ERJ story from 2004