On May 15, 2024, the first stone of AZTEMA was laid in Castro del Río, Irapuato, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the tire industry in Mexico. This project stems from the vision of Tire Direct, a 100% Mexican company with more than 20 years of experience in tire distribution across America, which decided to take the next step and enter tire manufacturing through a strategic alliance between Mexico and China.

The plant represents not only progress in innovation and national production, but also a boost to economic development and the consolidation of the Mexican industry.

The first stage of the AZTEMA factory will focus on the production of radial tires for passenger vehicles, with a projected capacity of up to 6 million units per year. With operations expected to begin in 2025, the plant aims to strengthen the region’s competitiveness and meet the growing demand in Mexico and America.

This project represents the beginning of Tire Direct’s industrial expansion, which includes the development of new production lines for different types of tires, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, quality, and the growth of the tire industry at an international level.

AZTEMA is born from the alliance between Sailun, with a 51% stake, and Tire Direct, with 49%, backed by an estimated investment of 400 million dollars. Strategically located in Castro del Río, the plant will become the first tire factory in Mexico with Chinese-Mexican co-investment, generating around 1,400 direct and indirect jobs and strengthening the economic development of the region.

In addition to boosting national production, this alliance encourages the transfer of technology and knowledge, consolidating Mexico as an important player in the global tire industry. The laying of the first stone of AZTEMA represents the beginning of a new era of innovation, growth, and collaboration for Tire Direct, which continues to expand its presence in the tire industry in Mexico.