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Mitas makes tires around the clock

IPR's Pat Blank

Mitas in Charles City started making radial farm tires last year and is now running two 12 hour shifts seven days a week.  The Czech-based company purchased a former Winnebago Industries building in 2009 and after 50 million dollars in renovations, opened for business in January of 2012.  Mitas makes tires for tractors, combines, and other farm implements. The Iowa Department of Economic Development awarded the company more than 900 thousand dollars to support 154 of the nearly 200 jobs that have been created.

Plant director and President of Mitas North America, Pavel Charvat says he expects to hire 40 more people by the end of the year to keep up with demand.  Deere and Company is one of Mitas's largest customers.

Pat Blank is the host of All Things Considered