7 May 2026
Italian tire maker to upgrade Georgia facility to serve one of its “most important and strategic markets”
Milan, Italy — Pirelli has announced plans to start the production of ‘cyber tire’ connected tires at its plant in Rome, Georgia, as it steps up industrial and technological presence in the US market.
In a 6 May statement, the Italian tire maker said its Georgia facility already manufactures “the most technologically advanced products for the US market.”
The plant, it said, will be further expanded to include production of tires equipped with cyber tire technology.
Pirelli said the move “highlights the strategic importance of the US for Pirelli’s global growth roadmap,” adding that it strengthens the group’s “integrated industrial and technological presence in the country.”
The statement did not disclose details regarding planned investment levels or additional production capacity, adding that further details will be communicated "in the coming months following the finalisation of the development plans.”
The announcement coincided with Pirelli’s participation in the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, where the company showcased cyber tire as “a core innovation shaping the future of smart mobility.”
According to Pirelli, the tire is “the world’s first hardware-and-software system capable of collecting data and information from sensors embedded in tires.”
Processes the data in real time, the system is claimed to enable “new functionalities integrated with driving and control systems to enhance the driving experience and increase safety levels.”
Commenting on the decision, Claudio Zanardo, CEO of Pirelli North America, described the start of the cyber tire production in Georgia as “a significant milestone for Pirelli in this country.”
“It reflects our commitment to bringing advanced technologies… closer to the market, further strengthening our industrial footprint and innovation capabilities in the US,” he added.
As part of the development, Pirelli is also introducing the latest version of its MIRS (modular integrated robotised system) manufacturing process at the Rome plant.
The company described the system as “the most advanced manufacturing process for high-end, premium production within the entire Pirelli Group,” adding that the technology will be exclusive to the Georgia facility.
According to Pirelli, the ‘highly digitalised system’ enhances “robotised production capabilities,” improving productivity, flexibility, and quality.
The process, it noted, enables “a direct link between product design and its industrial application.”
This, Pirelli said, will “lay the groundwork for growth in Pirelli’s production capacity in Rome” and will further strengthen its position in the US, which it described as “one of its most important and strategic markets.”
Operational since 2002, the facility in Georgia has a production capacity of 400,000 units per year and manufactures 'high-value tires for the North American market.'
The operations also include an R&D centre focused on technological development and product innovation.
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