Tyre shortages may continue until 2008

Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has warned machinery manufacturers and end users that tyre demand will outstrip supply and shortages will continue until at least 2007 and possibly 2008.
"Our economic forecasts suggest demand will not peak until 2008," said Shawn Rasey, Bridgestone's director of corporate accounts.
A huge demand for tyres from China and India and the rapid recovery of the US market are said to have created an unprecedented shortage.
"All our factories are running above budgeted capacity," added Rasey. "We're investing to expand our global production capacity, but there's a long lead time before this extra capacity will be on line."
All manufacturers of large plant have found it difficult to source tyres and Terex Construc-tion's Colin Robertson said it has been 'nip and tuck', with some customers prepared to take rigid dump trucks on remoulds, although this should be avoided. "Until a new facility comes on line, sourcing rigid truck tyres will be difficult," he concluded.
Bridgestone launched five off-highway tyres and highlighted its Integrated tyre solutions programme at the recent Conexpo exhibition.