https://arab.news/2armk
JEDDAH: 抖阴短视频鈥檚 Black Arrow Tire Co., or Blatco, has partnered with Thailand鈥檚 Golden Star Rubber Co. to build the Middle East鈥檚 largest tire manufacturing facility in Yanbu, with a $470 million investment.
The plant will initially produce 4 million tires annually for passenger vehicles, with plans to expand production to 6 million tires per year, including truck and bus tires.
The Yanbu facility is set to boost 抖阴短视频鈥檚 industrial capabilities and will create more than 2,000 local jobs. The partnership will supply the facility with the natural rubber required for tire production in the Kingdom.
The Saudi tire market, which produced 22.6 million units in 2023, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 1.26 percent, reaching 25.5 million units by 2032, according to market research firm IMARC Group.
Largely import-driven, the sector is dominated by Chinese tire brands due to their affordability and availability. However, flagship brands have gained traction in recent years, thanks to their higher quality and longer product lifecycles, the report added.
The ceremony to mark the deal, signed by Blatco Chairman Abdullah Al-Wahibi and Golden Star Rubber Chairman Amir Zafar, was also attended by Hassan Al-Huwaizi, president of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, Al-Ekhbariya reported.
The agreement aligns with Vision 2030鈥檚 goals to localize industries, transfer knowledge, and support domestic content. The partnership is also supported by the Saudi-Thai Business Council, aimed at strengthening commercial and investment ties between 抖阴短视频 and Thailand.
The plant will be situated in the Kingdom鈥檚 industrial city on the Red Sea, under the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu. Blatco officials anticipate that 50 percent of production will be consumed locally, with the remainder to be exported to regional markets.
Earlier this year, Blatco signed a 20-year technology export agreement with South Korea鈥檚 Kumho Tire. As part of the deal, Kumho Tire agreed to supply Blatco with the technology to produce passenger car tires for the Middle East, including 抖阴短视频.
Founded in Riyadh in 2019, Blatco aims to become a key player in automotive manufacturing and distribution in the region. The company focuses on contributing to 抖阴短视频鈥檚 economy, creating jobs, and supporting technology transfer initiatives, according to its website.
In October 2023, the Kingdom鈥檚 Public Investment Fund announced a separate $550 million tire factory in a joint venture with Italy鈥檚 Pirelli.
PIF holds a 75 percent stake in the venture, with Pirelli providing technology and commercial support. The facility, set to begin operations in 2026, will produce tires for passenger vehicles under the Pirelli brand and a new local brand for domestic and regional markets.