In the fourth quarter of 2024, FO Dębica, part of the Goodyear Group, successfully restored full production capacity according to the expected recovery timeline following the fire that occurred in 2023. As part of the rebuilding process, the Dębica plant—Goodyear’s largest tire factory in Europe—was equipped with a state-of-the-art production line for passenger car tires.
“We are pleased to announce that in the fourth quarter of 2024, we successfully restored full production capacity at the Dębica factory, meeting the expectations previously communicated to investors and partners,” said Ireneusz Maksymiuk, CEO of FO Dębica.
The new production line allows for potential expansion in the production of 18+ inch tires, aligning with current trends in the automotive market. As a result, the Dębica factory strengthens its strategic position within the Goodyear Group as a key facility capable of delivering increasingly advanced products.
Rapid Recovery After the Fire
Immediately after the fire, which broke out in the passenger car tire hall on August 20, 2023, the production capacity of passenger tires dropped to 55%. However, within less than a month, production increased to 70%, ultimately reaching full capacity in Q4 2024. The fire was extinguished in just over two hours, with nearly 30 fire trucks involved in the operation. All employees were safely evacuated before the firefighters arrived, and no injuries or environmental contamination were reported. The truck tire production area remained unaffected.
“The rebuilding was completed in record time, primarily thanks to the immense dedication and teamwork of all FO Dębica employees,” said Marko Nahtigal, Director of the Dębica Factory.
A Strategic Asset for Goodyear
As part of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, which has been a strategic investor in FO Dębica since 1995, the Polish plant benefits from Goodyear’s technological expertise, innovations, and know-how. Goodyear, a global leader in tire manufacturing, boasts a 127-year history, while the Dębica plant celebrates its 86th anniversary this year.
The factory produces passenger, commercial, and truck tires under the Goodyear, Dunlop, Dębica, Fulda, and Sava brands, exporting them from Poland to 59 countries. Additionally, the plant manufactures original equipment (OE) tires for some of the world’s largest car manufacturers.
Source: Manager Plus
