All over the world, manufacturers are getting closer to their reference demand, safeguarding against future disruptions, minimizing distance from customers, mitigating import duties, cutting logistical expenses and, ultimately, achieving notable sustainability benefits.
The tire sector is no exception, but here plants are not solely focusing on localization: they are also expanding, especially within the off-highway segment.
In this context, Trelleborg Tires’ Spartanburg U.S. based facility, a 40,000-square-meter production site, stands out as a clear example of how localized production has fostered favorable conditions to grow while simultaneously driving the market’s evolution.
The North America agricultural tires market was valued at over 930 Million USD in 2023 and is projected to reach 1,3 billion by 2030, following various key trends such as progressive mechanization in agriculture, larger farm operations, increases in crop yields and shorter replacement cycles.
It is the world’s largest agricultural arena and, since setting up operations in the U.S. in 2015, Trelleborg Tires has seamlessly assimilated into the market’s unique landscape, following the specific needs of American farmers when it comes to choosing the right tire for the job: durability and the ability to operate on wider and harder terrain, all under heavy loads.
“We posed the question to ourselves: what does the market expect from us today compared to a decade ago? This inquiry led us to further improve our range of flotation tires, innovate production processes, and enhance final customer benefits, tailoring them to specific market demands. Currently, the plant boasts a remarkable 20% increase in production capacity compared to its initial state. We are now more confident than ever in serving our North American customers, who can easily stock up on Trelleborg tires knowing they are locally manufactured in the United States”, explains Marco D’Angelo, Vice President Manufacturing at Yokohama TWS.
By focusing on local production and sourcing, the company can minimize transportation costs and logistical complexities, improving the overall efficiency and responsiveness of its operations. Additionally, it supports local economies and reduces environmental impact due to shorter supply chains and reduced emissions from transportation.
But what paved the way for success?
Technology played a crucial role. The Spartanburg facility stands out as one of the most automated plants in the agricultural industry, with the aim of guaranteeing customers the highest production standards.
Customer centricity has driven every decision regarding the Spartanburg plant design. At each production step, from the preparation of semi-finished products through tire building and curing, the Spartanburg plant is equipped with the most advanced technology in machine automation and process control. Notably, the latest technologies have been adopted for crucial processes such as tire curing to ensure the highest possible tire performance in the field and to minimize the environmental impact of operations.
Last but not least, the tire plant layout was designed and developed using specific tools from lean manufacturing, which effectively reduce material handling within the shop floor and enhance operational efficiency.
At the end of the day, however, the ultimate competitive edge developed by Trelleborg Tires seems to reside in a presence that has deep roots in the territory.
“Our facilities adapt and evolve their production range based on market demand. While our research and development efforts are centralized, Spartanburg employs its own R&D managers tasked with overseeing not just process implementations, but also product developments. Our aim is to truly immerse ourselves, comprehend our customers’ genuine needs, and respond accordingly”, assures D’Angelo.
Trelleborg Tires is a leading global brand delivering advanced solutions for professionals in Agriculture, Material Handling and Construction. Trelleborg anticipates customer needs with a wide range of high-performing tires and complete wheels for off-highway vehicles, improving productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
