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Cooper Tire's Arkansas Operation Moving to Seven Days
FINDLAY, OHIO, OCTOBER 5, 2009 — COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY (NYSE: CTB) has announced a plan to increase production capacity at its Texarkana, Ark., tire operations. Responding to growing market demand for its products, the operations will shift to a 24/7 operation. The new production schedule will begin January 1, 2010, and approximately 200 additional employees will be required to support the increased production volume. The shift in production will be accomplished over several months in 2010. The facility produces passenger and light truck tires for the replacement markets.
"We are excited about this opportunity to enhance our production capabilities," said John Bodart, Cooper Tire's Vice President of Manufacturing for its North American Tire Division.
Cooper has also recently announced expansion plans at its Tupelo, Miss., plant and the continual ramp-up of its operations in Mexico. The Company's Findlay, Ohio, manufacturing plant is also expected to increase production volumes.
"Through a focus on continuous improvement we are always in a process of improving our capabilities," continued Bodart. "This allows us to deliver high quality, cost competitive products to our customers and consumers. These moves are logical steps that align with our strategic goals."
About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is a global company that specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of passenger car and light truck tires and subsidiaries that specialize in medium truck, motorcycle and racing tires. With headquarters in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper Tire has manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design facilities within its family of companies located in 10 countries around the world. For more information, visit Cooper Tire's web site at: www.coopertire.com.
Contact: Michelle Zeisloft, 419-423-1321