The new facility is scheduled to begin initial operations in August 2028, pending investment and regulatory approval.
Kumho Tire has selected Opole, Poland, as the site for its first European manufacturing plant. The new facility plans to begin initial operations in August 2028, pending investment and regulatory approval.
Kumho said the first phase will support an annual production capacity of 6 million tires. The company plans phased expansions based on market demand. It values the total investment at $587 million.
The company said it evaluated multiple European countries and assessed site suitability, sales growth potential, investment stability, profitability and available incentives. The company selected Opole for its logistics advantages, skilled workforce, competitive infrastructure, access to the European market, and incentives from the Polish government.
Market Context
Europe accounts for roughly 25% of global tire consumption. Kumho reported European sales represented about 26.6% of its total revenue in 2024. Europe also makes up about 17% of the global OE tire market and is home to major high-end vehicle manufacturers.
Kumho said the lack of a European production base had limited its supply stability and lead-time competitiveness. The new plant will improve OE responsiveness and create new opportunities to collaborate with automotive brands.
“The European market holds tremendous strategic significance in the global tire industry,” said Il-Taik Jung, president and CEO of Kumho Tire. “Kumho Tire will strengthen its market competitiveness, local responsiveness and attractiveness to European vehicle manufacturers with the product quality for which the brand is renowned.”
Korea Plant
Kumho said it plans to complete a new factory in Hampyeong, Korea, by the end of 2027. It will have an annual capacity of 5.3 million tires. With the Polish site confirmed, the company said it will operate a production network spanning Asia, Europe and North America. The company plans to build new plants simultaneously in Korea and Europe.
