ZC Rubber has started construction on its third overseas manufacturing facility, in Saltillo, Mexico, to address the growing demands of North American and Latin American tire markets, according to the company.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by over 250 guests, including prominent figures such as Wei Dong, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Mexico; Blas José Flores González, chief of staff of the state government; Luis Eduardo Olivares Martinez, minister of economy of Coahuila; Mario Mata Quintero, representative of the Mayor of Saltillo; Maria del Mar Treviño, local councillor of Coahuila; César H Cantú García, representative of the Alianza Industrial Park; and ZC Rubber Group VPs Haoyu Shen and Zhiqiang Jiang.
The event also saw participation from leaders of OEM manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and construction contractors.
Located in the Alianza Industrial Park, approximately 250km from the USA-Mexico border, the new facility represents an investment exceeding US$500m and spans about 600,000m2 .
The first phase of the project, scheduled to commence production by the end of 2025, will feature an annual production capacity of 13.5 million passenger car radial (PCR) tires and 50,000 tons of off-the-road (OTR) solutions. This expansion aims to enhance product availability and service quality for customers in both continents, says ZC.
Haoyu Shen, VP of ZC Rubber, said, “The new facility will significantly enhance ZC Rubber’s competitiveness in the Americas. We are eager to collaborate with our partners to explore the expansive opportunities in this market and achieve mutual growth.”
The factory will integrate design and digital production technologies, focusing on automation, flexibility and energy efficiency. Additionally, it will include a North American warehouse center to bolster logistics efficiency and service capabilities.
“We believe that with the operation of the new factory, ZC Rubber’s competitiveness in the Americas market will be further enhanced. We look forward to working closely with our partners to embrace the vast prospects of the Americas market and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.”
