The Alliance Tyre Group has opened a state-of-the-art tyre factory in Dahej, India. Covering a total of 443,000sq.m., (112,000sq.m. covered) current capacity of 33,000 tonnes is expected to rise to 57,000 tonnes by the end of this year when daily output will hit 160 metric tonnes. Producing a range of farm tyres for tractors, harvesters, implements, sprayers and balers, the plant also makes tyres for the industrial and construction sectors (includes skid steer and backhoe loaders, telehandlers and excavators). Special tyres for the forestry sector are to follow during the next expansion phase, which will also see the start of the production of port and mining vehicle tyres. Located close to a deep water terminal, vessels should be able to sail directly to most European ports in around three weeks.