Pirelli upgrades Russian plants

Voronezh, Russia – Pirelli has upgraded its two plants in Voronezh and Kirov, Russia, the Italian tire-maker announced on 10 March.

“Almost as soon as Pirelli took over operational control of Kirov, together with its partner Rostec, a large-scale modernisation of the plant started in December 2011,” said the business report.

“A few months later the process began at the Voronezh plant,” the report said, adding “old buildings have been re-built, production workshops refurbished, new mixing facilities installed and Pirelli technology and processes introduced.”

According to the tire-maker, factory specialists from Italy, Germany and elsewhere in Europe were sent to the two sites for training.

“Today, Pirelli’s Voronezh plant is one of the largest tire plants in Russia and one of the most technologically advanced,” said Pirelli, adding that the improvements have led to capacity expansion and production of “premium” tires.

Kirov has 2,200 employees and produces Pirelli and Amtel tires in the 13” to 16” range, also supplying several car factories in Russia.

Voronezh employs 1,023 and produces “premium” passenger car tires with diameters from 16” to 21”.

In addition to supplying OEMs in Russia, Voronezh also exports to Europe, Scandinavia and CIS countries.