Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has begun construction of a state-of-the-art tyre manufacturing plant in Hangzhou City, China. The project is part of Yokohama’s “1-year plant” initiative under its Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026) strategy. This facility will increase production capacity by 3 million tyres annually, focusing on high-inch tyres for the Advan and Geolandar brands, particularly for new energy vehicles. The plant’s advanced automation and digitalisation will enable efficient, low-cost production to meet China’s growing demand for passenger car tyres.
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Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has officially commenced the construction of a cutting-edge tyre manufacturing plant in Hangzhou City, China. The groundbreaking ceremony, held earlier this month, was attended by key local government officials, including Hangzhou City Mayor Yao Gaoyuan, alongside Yokohama Chairman & CEO Masataka Yamaishi and President & COO Shinji Seimiya.
This new facility is Yokohama’s first under its “1-year plant” challenge, part of the company’s Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026) medium-term growth plan. Designed to be operational within a year, the plant will leverage Yokohama’s expertise and local partnerships to achieve efficient, low-cost production.
The new plant will replace Yokohama’s existing facility in Hangzhou and significantly enhance production capacity. With an annual capacity of 9 million tyres—3 million more than the previous plant—it will help Yokohama capture growing demand in China’s booming automotive market.
The facility will focus on producing high-inch tyres for Yokohama’s flagship Advan and Geolandar brands, catering to SUVs, pickup trucks, and new energy vehicles (NEVs). This aligns with China’s rapid expansion in NEV production and demand, making the country a critical market for Yokohama’s growth strategy.
The Hangzhou plant will incorporate advanced automation and digitalisation technologies, reflecting Yokohama’s commitment to innovation. Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman & CEO Masataka Yamaishi highlighted the significance of the project:
“The startup of a state-of-the-art plant using the latest equipment in just one year’s time will enable Yokohama to quickly meet local users’ needs for high-quality tyres and contribute to regional development.”
Full-scale production at the plant is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2026, ensuring Yokohama remains well-positioned to meet the rising demand for high-quality tyres in the Chinese market.
Yokohama’s “1-year plant” initiative reflects its ambitious vision under YX2026. The plan combines technological innovation with strategic partnerships to establish a strong competitive edge in local markets. As China’s automotive and NEV industries continue to expand, Yokohama’s investment in the Hangzhou plant highlights its commitment to supporting the region’s growth while meeting evolving consumer needs.
What is Yokohama’s “1-year plant” challenge?
It is an initiative under Yokohama’s YX2026 strategy to build tyre plants within one year, focusing on low-cost, highly efficient production.
What is the capacity of the new Hangzhou plant?
The plant will produce 9 million tyres annually, 3 million more than the existing Hangzhou facility.
Which tyre brands will the plant focus on?
The plant will primarily produce high-inch tyres for the Advan and Geolandar brands, with a focus on tyres for SUVs, pickup trucks, and new energy vehicles.
When will production begin?
Full-scale production is expected to start in Q2 2026.
