Yokohama eyes 30 percent capacity expansion in 2014-17 period

ERJ staff report (TB)

TOKYO (Feb. 15, 2012) - Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (YRC) plans to add as much as 20 million units of new annual production capacity worldwide in the 2014-17 period and is committing upwards of $1.75 billion to that end, the company said in its latest long-range forecast.

Expansion projects under way at plants in Russia, China, Philippines and Thailand will boost the company's annual capacity by 7 million units, or about 12.5 percent, to 66 million units by 2014, YRC said.

The next phase of expansion, to coincide with the final phase of YRC's Grand Design 100 strategy leading up to the firm's centennial year in 2017, would boost global capacity by more than 30 percent to 86 million units annually, YRC said.

To achieve an increase of that magnitude, Yokohama will look at building an as-yet undisclosed number of plants, with sites in North and South America, China and India under consideration. Expansion also could come in the form of expanding existing plants in the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Russia, YRC said.

Along with expanding capacity, Yokohama will continue to invest in innovation, such as the BluEarth technology designed to benefit the earth, society and individuals through environmental safeguards. The company also is collaborating with third-party research organizations on projects aimed at developing “high-functionality tyre technologies” that it hopes will deliver quality products at competitive prices and at timely intervals.

In specific product categories, YRC said it will strive to produce products with best-in-class fuel economy and products of high functionality. It will fortify its offerings in consumer tyres under its Advan brand for high-performance products, BluEarth brand for fuel-saving tyres, iceGUARD brand for winter tyres and Geolandar brand for sport-utility vehicle tyres.

In commercial tyres, the company hopes to differentiate its products through original technology and lifetime product support. Among product offerings, YRC intends to broaden its offerings of ultra-low-profile truck tyres and expand its market presence in retreaded tyres. On the OTR side, Yokohama said it will try to strengthen its position by moving into tyres with rim diameters of 49 inches and larger.

Yokohama also intends to improve its ability to support local demand with locally manufactured products; this goal will include establishing local R&D capabilities in principal markets and improving its global supply chain management.

On a corporate level, YRC hopes to continue reaping the benefits of the “Mudadori” efficiency initiative launched in 2006-an initiative that has yielded nearly $650 million in cost savings throughout the company's activities.

On the social side of the ledger, Yokohama is devoting special attention to four themes: environmental protection; workplace safety; stakeholder communication; and corporate governance and ethical compliance.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)