Latest news on the how the global Covid-19 pandemic is impacting manufacturing and supply-chain activities as well as scheduled exhibitions, conferences and meetings throughout the tire & rubber industries worldwide:
Rhein Chemie announces shutdowns, force majeure measures
Rhein Chemie has had to shut down production of certain tire additives and other products and declare force majeure, a spokeswoman for Cologne-based parent group Lanxess has informed ERJ. Read more
Premature closure at Michelin Dundee
French tire maker Michelin will not restart manufacturing at its production plant in Dundee, UK, when Covid-19 lock down restrictions are lifted. Read more
Nokian temporarily laying off all Finland staff
Nokian Tyres is temporarily laying off all 1,630 employees in Finland in response to the Covid-19 crisis. Read more
Marangoni preparing German site to supply European customers
Marangoni Retreading Systems is preparing its production site in Germany to serve European customers amid the continuing lockdown to control the spread of Covid-19 in Italy. Read more
Nexen continues tire production amid pandemic
Nexen Tire has continued to operate all facilities across its globe production network, the company has informed Tire Business, a US sister publication of ERJ. However, it noted, that the company is tracking demand, which is down due to the pandemic. A year ago, Nexen started up a $1bn greenfield tire plant in Zatec, Czech Republic.
Kumho to halt production at US plant
Kumho Tire USA Inc. is to idle its tire plant in Macon, Georgia, from 1-8 April, Tire Business has reported. The management is bringing a cleaning service to conduct a “thorough cleaning and sanitising” of the plant during the downtime. During the shutdown, Kumho plants in South Korea and Vietnam will support the US market need.
Kenda keeps tire plans operating worldwide
All Kenda tire plants are operating worldwide and shipping products to OE and replacement market customers, the company reported 27 March. The Taiwanese group operates two plants each in China and Vietnam and one plant each in Indonesia and Taiwan.
Yokohama stops West Point truck tire plant
Yokohama Tire Corp. is suspending production at its truck tire plant in West Point, Mississippi as of 28 March. The shutdown is expected to last for two weeks. The facility is undergoing sanitisation measures to ensure the health and safety of all personnel upon their return.
Article courtesy of: European Rubber Journal. https://www.european-rubber-journal.com/
