Cooper Tire Hosts Grand Opening Ceremony at Serbian Facility

Approximately 500 dignitaries, employees and members of the media were invited to attend the ceremony, including the President of Serbia Boris Tadić, Minister of Economy and Regional Development Nebojša Ćirić, and U.S. Ambassador Mary Warlick. The guests, together with Cooper Chairman, President and CEO Roy Armes, and International Tire Division President Hal Miller, celebrated the official opening of the plant.

At the ceremony, Armes welcomed the attendees and thanked the Serbian and local Kruševac government officials as well as the U.S. Embassy for their efforts on Cooper's behalf in acquiring the former Trayal plant. Cooper elected to invest in Serbia not only because of its significant economic potential, but also for its quality workforce, geographical advantages and Serbian government support. Cooper Tire Serbia becomes Kruševac's second-largest employer, providing tires for the European and Russian markets.

“We are delighted to officially open the plant in Kruševac," said Miller. "The ceremony marks the culmination of months of hard work to conclude the acquisition. It is a pleasure to welcome our new Serbian colleagues to the Cooper family. The Serbian government, the Kruševac community and our future employees are very excited about the opportunities we are bringing to the area and the value the operations will bring to Cooper Tire."