Production figures released on Jan. 27 show that Sibur’s tire production fell 28% in 2009 (7,602 tons, compared with 10,650 tons in 2008). The news is set against a 27.3% increase in rubber sales and a 3% increased in the large group’s petrochemical product output. As a group, Sibur reported consolidated receipts of $4.116 billion for 2009, down 12% compared with $5.713 billion in 2008.
Reduced production of rubbers and tires was said to have been caused by the sharp decline in demand by automotive industry: "Despite [a] sharp decline in demand and shutdown of some capacities, in the beginning of the year we managed to retain the positive production trends and continued financing of our investment projects with insignificant extension of their implementation schedules," Sibur President Dmitry Konov said. "We expect to significantly raise our investments as compared to the previous year." (Tyres & Accessories)