Titan explores 63-inch OTR production

Quincy, Illinois - Titan International has said it has employed consultants to advise on the financial benefits of expanding its off-the-road tyre production to 63-inch and 57-inch mining tyres. The consultants are expected to report within a month.

Titan said it has researched production costs to manufacture up to 6000 units/year of 63-inch tyres, and could be in production next year, but the company would need to invest in larger building equipment and more moulds. Titan needs to be sure the plan is financially viable. Part of that is to obtain assurances from customers that they will buy tyres, if Titan invests.

The consultants, Merrill Lynch is expected to complete its assessment before a Titan board meeting scheduled on May 17, 2007.

Titan is currently increasing its selection of radial tyres currently at its Bryan, Ohio, facility up to size 51-inch using both the old and new 15-degree tyre technology. “Titan has the engineering and technical expertise to offer these additional sizes,” said Chairman and CEO Maurice Taylor Jr. “We can help solve the tyre shortage in these large sizes, but first we need to obtain commitments from mining companies. Tyres are often mistaken as a commodity, but they are engineered products.”

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Press release from Titan