Yokohama merges OTR business

Yokohama OHT has announced that it will undertake a strategic integration of its off-the-road (OTR) tire production with the recently acquired Goodyear business in this segment, with the integration of the new assets aimed at "enhancing the company's operational efficiency, stimulating innovation, and improving customer service worldwide".

Goodyear's OTR tire production was acquired at the beginning of the year for $905 million, and Loic Ravasio was appointed president of the combined business, who will report to Nitin Mantur, Yokohama's operational co-director and head of YOHT. Ravasio previously worked at Goodyear and "has extensive experience of successful activity in the international tire industry, making him an ideal candidate for the role of leader at the next stage of development of Yokohama's OTR business".

As part of the business integration, significant investments are planned to increase production capacity, which should enable the company to meet growing demand in various markets (for this purpose, Yokohama is also buying Euro Tyres' assets in Romania). In addition, research and development centers in Japan and the United States will closely cooperate to create innovative technologies and accelerate the introduction of new products to the market.

Yokohama emphasizes that the product lines of the two companies in the OTR sector complement each other perfectly, and the expanded range includes tires of all categories from the smallest to the largest. This will enable Yokohama to "meet a wider range of customer needs in all segments and areas of application".

"I am honored to have taken on an important role at Yokohama - a company focused on growth and development," said Ravasio. "We have a great future ahead of us, as we have the best professionals in the industry and an exceptional offering for serving our customers".

Photo: Pneusnews