Michelin Silvania: 23% increase in tyre production

Zalau-based Michelin Silvania, a plant held by the French group Michelin, is expecting to increase production by 10% this year, after tyre production increased by 23% in 2006 producing over 600,000 units.
“We have already conquered the market of tyres for agricultural equipment, heavy vehicles and lorries, which will ensure an over 10% increase in the volume of our production, while at the same time doubling the volume of semi-finished products exported to Eastern Europe. We are also relying on the fact that we have regular clients buying our tyres and demand on the market is currently witnessing an upward trend,” Jana Popa, manager of Michelin Silvania Zalau, told ZF Transilvania.
The Zalau-based plant produces tyres for lorries under the partner brands Taurus, Kormoran and Riken, as well as Michelin-branded industrial tyres.
In 2006, the tyre plant in Zalau became a supplier of semi-finished products, which are used in the manufacturing of tyres. According to the manager of Michelin Silvania Zalau, semi-finished products prompted a 40% turnover boost. “Until 2005, we manufactured semi-finished products exclusively for our own use. However, last year we began to make these products for customers in Eastern Europe as well,” explains Jana Popa.
Company representatives did not wish to specify the exact turnover registered by the Zalau-based plant. However, in 2006, Michelin Romania’s consolidated net turnover exceeded 260 million euros, with the estimated growth for this year standing at 20-25%.
“Our Michelin-branded tyres are destined for an international market, which makes Silvania a unique producer within the Michelin Group, with the remainder of brands being dedicated to the European market,” Jana Popa added.
The manager of Zalau-based Michelin Silvania says Romania has become a hub for the company’s operations in South-Eastern Europe. The producer sells the majority of its products to Bulgaria and to Balkan countries belonging to the former Yugoslavia.