Titan returns to production at earthquake-hit Italian plant

WORCESTERSHIRE-based Titan Europe has recommenced limited production at its earthquake-damaged Italian plant.

The plant, which makes large agricultural wheels, is situated in Finale Emilia and is a major contributor to Titan’s profits, accounting for annualised sales of around £50m  a tenth of the group’s entire revenue.

It was left non-operational by the devastating Italian earthquake in late May but in a statement to the stock exchange Titan said things are slowly returning to normal.

“The Rim-rolling and assembly welding areas of the factory will progressively return to normal volumes over the next few weeks with production scheduled to continue during the normal summer shutdown period,” the Kidderminster firm said.

“Further remedial work is underway to ensure the structural stability of the building occupied by the paint plant; the board anticipate that production will recommence in October 2012; until then, the alternate painting arrangements will remain in use.”

The earthquake caused serious damage to buildings in several towns. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes.