Aztema, a Chinese-Origin Tire Company, Invests Heavily in Mexico
Aztema, a tire company with Chinese origins, has commenced production of state-of-the-art tires at its plant in Irapuato, Guanajuato, following a $400 million investment. This significant investment, as reported by the National Council of the Rubber Industry (CNIH), positions Mexico as a crucial player in global tire manufacturing.
About Aztema and Its Partners
Aztema is a joint venture between Sailun, holding 51% of the shares, and Tire Direct with 49%. Their collaboration aims to strengthen Mexico’s role in global tire production.
Production Capacity and Impact
The new facility, which began technical operations and produced its first tire on May 31, is expected to manufacture up to 6 million tires annually for both domestic and international markets. This investment underscores the dynamism and modernization of Mexico’s tire industry, according to CNIH.
Michelin’s Shift and Industry Growth in Guanajuato
Michelin recently announced the closure of a plant in Querétaro, redirecting its production efforts to its Guanajuato facility. The CNIH noted that Michelin adjusted its production strategy by closing the Querétaro plant, which produced only 500,000 tires annually, and focusing on its León, Guanajuato plant.
The León plant, operational since 2018 and expanded in 2022, has accumulated over $910 million in investments and produces 5 million tires per year, with room for further growth.
Other Tire Companies in Guanajuato
Guanajuato is home to other tire manufacturers, including Michelin in the PILBA industrial park and Pirelli in Guanajuato Puerto Interior, Silao. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, Pirelli produced 50 million units and inaugurated a Research, Development, Innovation, and Professional Training Center.
Mexico’s Leadership in the Global Tire Industry
Thanks to substantial investments, plant modernization, and local supplier integration, Mexico has reinforced its global leadership in innovation, productivity, and sustainability within the tire industry. The director of CNIH highlighted that the tire sector not only drives economic and technological growth but also projects Mexico’s competitiveness into the future, ensures community well-being, and strengthens a cutting-edge industrial ecosystem.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Aztema? Aztema is a joint venture between Chinese company Sailun (51%) and Tire Direct (49%) established in Mexico to produce advanced tires.
- What is the significance of Aztema’s investment in Mexico? The $400 million investment positions Mexico as a key global tire manufacturer and modernizes the country’s tire industry.
- What changes has Michelin implemented in Mexico? Michelin closed a plant in Querétaro and shifted its focus to the León, Guanajuato plant, which now produces 5 million tires annually.
- What other tire companies are present in Guanajuato? Besides Aztema and Michelin, Pirelli operates in Guanajuato, producing 50 million units in the first quarter of 2024.
- How does the tire industry impact Mexico? The tire sector drives economic and technological growth, ensures community well-being, and strengthens Mexico’s global leadership in innovation and sustainability.
