Kumho Tire Chooses Opole for Its First European Production Site
Opole is on an impressive investment streak. South Korean tyre manufacturer Kumho Tire has officially confirmed that it will build its new European production plant in the city, home to more than 125,000 residents in southern Poland. The decision is part of the company’s long-term strategy to expand global manufacturing capacity and accelerate growth in the European market.
The new plant is scheduled to begin operations in August 2028, pending final financing arrangements and regulatory approvals.
First Stage: Six Million Tyres per Year
In its initial phase, the factory will have an annual production capacity of six million tyres. Further expansion will depend on market demand. Although Kumho has not yet disclosed how many jobs the plant will create, the scale of the investment suggests that employment is likely to be substantial.
A $587 Million Investment in Poland
Kumho evaluated several European countries before selecting Opole, analysing factors such as strategic location, sales growth potential, investment stability, profitability and available incentives. After narrowing the decision to two final regions, the company chose Opole due to its:
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strong logistical advantages
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skilled and available workforce
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competitive industrial infrastructure
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stable access to the EU market
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attractive incentives offered by the Polish government
Europe accounts for around 25 percent of global tyre consumption. In 2024, the European market generated approximately 26.6 percent of Kumho Tire’s total revenue, making it a region of major strategic importance.
A Stronger Base for High-Value Products
Establishing local production in Poland will give Kumho a solid foundation for expanding European sales and increasing the share of high-value-added products (HVP), including high-performance tyres and large-dimension models. The investment is expected to boost profitability, strengthen the company’s brand position, and ensure more resilient supply chains.
