Trelleborg is to open its first North American manufacturing facility dedicated to the manufacture of premium radial tires for the agricultural machinery. To be located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S., it represents an investment of 50 million USD and will create around 150 jobs by 2018. Citing a presence in North America as central to its growth strategy, the 40,000 square meter / 430,000 square foot production facility will increase manufacturing capacity globally and locally ensure availability of Trelleborg premium tires quickly, both for original equipment manufacturers and tire dealers. Maurizio Vischi, President of the Trelleborg Wheel Systems business area, says: “North America is the largest agricultural market in the world and it is highly attractive for us. Demand for extra-large agricultural tires, where Trelleborg is a market leader, is growing in the region. Although we already sell our products in the U.S. and Canada, local production offers considerably more favorable conditions, thus enhancing our competitiveness. “We are already a leading global supplier of premium tires for agricultural machines and we now intend to consolidate this position through production in North America. We’ll be located in a modern facility in a prime location, capitalizing on existing partnership agreements with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors while facilitating the transfer of technology from one part of the world to another.” The manufacturing facility will be located at Trelleborg’s existing premises in Spartanburg and the 50 million USD (325 million SEK) investment constitutes new state-of-the-art equipment designed according to the latest Trelleborg technology standards. Production of agricultural tires will commence late 2015 and all manufacturing equipment will be installed by 2018 to cater for market growth and ensure that OEMs, dealers and farmers benefit from Trelleborg’s proximity and product availability