Lehigh Expands to Europe with Spain Subsidiary

Lehigh Technologies, a specialty materials company that produces micronized rubber powders (MRP), has opened Lehigh Spain, a wholly owned subsidiary based in Barcelona.

Lehigh Spain will serve as the company’s face to the market in Europe and will perform all of the functions needed to provide a seamless customer experience across the European Union as well as Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The subsidiary also will take over the European order fulfillment process and ensure smooth operation of the supply chain that includes Lehigh Technologies’ U.S. plant.

“Rubber, tire and plastic manufacturers around the world have learned that MRP delivers compelling performance, cost and sustainability advantages,” said Alan Barton, CEO of Lehigh Technologies. “The creation of Lehigh Spain ensures that key commercial and customer service capabilities are more broadly available locally, an important step in expanding the MRP market. We are excited to now look ahead to investing in a European manufacturing presence to further expand supply.”

Lehigh Technologies continues to work with Hera Holdings on a European manufacturing strategy for MRP. Over the past year, detailed engineering and design work for the plant has been completed. Supply chain planning for raw materials also is complete.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Ryan Waldron as president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

"At Goodyear, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and in Ryan Waldron, we have a customer-centric, execution-focused business leader with a deep understanding of both the marketplace and all aspects of our business, as well as a proven track record of delivering results," Stewart said. "I am thrilled to announce him as president of Goodyear's Americas business and have enormous confidence that under his leadership, both the company and our customers will reach even greater levels of success."