Pirelli is continuing its expansion in the United States with a $15 million investment that will boost manufacturing capacity by 20 percent at its factory in Rome, Ga.
The plant produces high performance tires for the North American market using its MIRS (Modular Integrated Robotized System) technology. Rome’s MIRS production lines will increase from four to five. The facility manufactures tires for both the original equipment and replacement segments.
According to the company, MIRS is the world’s most advanced robotized system for manufacturing high performance tires.
“Our Rome-based MIRS facility supports Pirelli’s strategic growth plan for the North American market. We have achieved significant share of market gains and a 30 percent sales increase over the past three years,” says Hugh Pace, chairman and CEO of Pirelli Tire North America. “The new expansion of our MIRS manufacturing facility will bring high-impact jobs to the Rome area, and also demonstrates Pirelli’s strategy of investing in our ongoing partnership with the state of Georgia and its office of economic development.”
Pirelli’s decision to increase production of high performance tires in Georgia is part of its North American growth strategy begun at the start of the decade. The company now supplies its ultra-high performance original equipment tires to some of General Motors’ and Ford’s highest performing car models, including the new Camaro and Mustang respectively, as well as Mercedes Benz and BMW transplant models.
MIRS, inaugurated in 2000, is a highly automated system that allows for flexible and rapid response to market demand, making it possible to operate efficiently even in markets where the cost of labor is high. Robots manage the entire production cycle without interruption and without having to move semi-finished products.
There is no need for intermediate warehousing phases, thereby maximizing energy efficiency during the manufacturing process. Integrated software coordinates all steps of production starting with product design, thus cutting costs and production time.
In addition to utilizing the very latest manufacturing modalities, Pirelli works in conjunction with Georgia Quick Start – a state-of-the-art employee training program. Quick Start is a state run program that customizes training for qualified businesses in Georgia, including Pirelli. The program delivers proprietary on-site instruction to Pirelli workers, equipping them with the latest skills and strategies needed to operate the MIRS manufacturing facility and manage its expansion.
“I am very proud of Pirelli’s commitment to growing its Rome-based MIRS manufacturing facility,” said Andrew Kearton, Pirelli’s voce president of manufacturing and original equipment sales. “This expansion demonstrates dedication to strategic growth for Pirelli in the North American market. The additional workforce positions we are adding to support the expansion are high-skill jobs that will operate a state-of-the-art automation process that is recognized as the most advanced in the tire industry. We also look forward to continuing our relationships with local colleges and the Georgia QuickStart program that will help us realize this growth.“
For more information, visit www.us.pirelli.com.
