Pirelli approves €1bn investment to expand US tire production

Milan, Italy – Pirelli’s board of directors has approved a €1 billion investment to significantly expand the company’s tire manufacturing plant in Georgia, US.

Starting in 2027, the multi-year programme will increase annual capacity at the site in Rome, Georgia, to 6 million car tires by 2033 and is expected to create 1,000 jobs, Pirelli announced 22 Sept.

Operational since 2002, the facility currently has a production capacity of 400,000 units per year and manufactures 'high-value tires for the North American market.' 

The proposed project is aimed at supporting Pirelli's high-value tire business in the US, which the group described as “the world's largest” market for the segment, accounting for 40% of global volumes.

Pirelli said the investment would also strengthen its “local-for-local strategy”, increase supply-chain resilience and support growing demand for technologically advanced “made in USA” products.

The expansion will be carried out in two phases, according to the Italian tire maker.

Initially, Pirelli will progressively increase "robotised production" using the latest version of its MIRS (modular integrated robotised system) technology.

Capacity will start increasing from 2028 and ultimately reach 3 million tires per year under this phase.

In the second phase, “a fully automated conventional production facility” dedicated to premium products will add capacity to produce another 3 million tires per year by 20233.

The expanded plant will also manufacture products featuring Pirelli's ‘cyber tire technology.’

Pirelli said it received authorisation from the US Bureau of Industry and Security to market the technology in the country, following governance changes introduced under Italy's 2026 'golden power decree.' (ERJ report)

The project timeline, Pirelli noted, is consistent with the industrial requirements of the high value segment, which require "highly specialised manufacturing processes, small-batch management of a broad product mix, and integration of Pirelli’s proprietary technologies."

The company said the investment would allow capacity to be increased “in a gradual manner and in line with the evolution of demand”.

The investment plan was approved by a majority of Pirelli's board, with directors Zhang Haitao, Xi Xiaohong and Wang Kun voting against.

Separately, the board approved a new organisational structure, including the immediate elimination of the corporate general management function.

Corporate general manager Francesco Tanzi will leave the role, while remaining an executive employee until 31 Dec 2026 to support the transition.

Following the termination of his employment, Tanzi will remain with Pirelli under a two-year consultancy agreement.