Prinx Chengshan has announced that its Thailand manufacturing facility has fully reopened and is back to normal production capacity after a brief temporary suspension
PRINX Chengshan statement on Thai issues in an unabridged format
The factory is now operating at 100% capacity and shipping tyres on schedule to customers worldwide. We would also like to take this opportunity to clarify the facts and reaffirm our commitment to quality, compliance, and sustainability in all our operations.
Full production resumes at Chon Buri
The PRINX Thailand plant has resumed in full following approval from local authorities to lift the suspension effective 8 August 2025.
This means the factory is running normally and meeting all customer demand. “We are pleased to confirm that our Thailand facility is back to full operation,” said Thomas Wohlgemuth, Managing Director Europe. “Our priority is to continue delivering high quality tyres to our customers without interruption, while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.”
The company confirms that the temporary halt has not impacted its ability to supply tyres, and inventory adjustments have compensated for the short downtime so that deliveries remain on track.
Temporary Suspension – Cause and Resolution
The temporary suspension occurred in late July and was limited in scope and duration. It was triggered by technical compliance issues related to the plant’s expansion and raw material handling, specifically, the packaging of carbon black stock and pending procedural approval for a new production line.
These issues have since been fully resolved in coordination with Thai regulatory agencies. PRINX Chengshan emphasises that no product quality defects or environmental harm were involved in the suspension: it was an administrative pause to address paperwork and procedural matters.
During the suspension period, the company worked diligently with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) to implement remedial measures and secure the necessary approvals to restart production as quickly as possible. As a result of these efforts, regulators cleared the facility to reopen, and operations swiftly returned to normal.
Upholding Quality and Environmental Standards
PRINX Chengshan categorically denies any claims of illegal or unsafe practices surrounding this situation. In contrast to recent media reports alleging “substandard” tyres or improper waste handling, the company affirms that no substandard tyres were produced, and there was absolutely no illegal disposal of toxic waste at the facility.
All products from the Thailand plant meet the required standards for safety and performance. Importantly, the company addressed reports about tyre “buffing” observed at the plant – the removal of markings from some tyre sidewalls.
PRINX Chengshan explains that buffing tyres is a legitimate quality control process used industry-wide. This process is applied to tyres that do not meet our rigorous quality specifications – for example, test tyres or those with minor cosmetic flaws – to mark them as non-retail.
Buffing ensures that such tyres cannot be mistakenly sold to consumers. Any tyre that is deemed off-specification is either repurposed through legal, approved channels or scrapped in an environmentally responsible manner, in full compliance with international trade and waste management standards.
This means that no off-spec or unmarked tyre is ever released into the market improperly, and all disposal or recycling of materials is done lawfully.
Cooperation with Thai Authorities and Regulatory Compliance
Throughout this process, PRINX Chengshan has maintained a stance of full cooperation and transparency with Thai authorities. The company respects and appreciates the oversight of the IEAT and other Thai regulatory bodies, and it responded to the suspension by immediately engaging with officials to address concerns.
“We are grateful for the professional cooperation of the Thai authorities,” Thomas Wohlgemuth noted. “Our team worked closely with regulators to ensure every issue was clarified and resolved swiftly, which allowed us to restart production safely.”
PRINX Chengshan reiterates that it holds itself to all applicable laws and regulations in Thailand, and that compliance is a top priority. The company has taken additional steps to strengthen internal protocols, ensuring the factory’s operations remain in strict alignment with environmental and safety regulations going forward. There is no criticism or dispute from the company regarding the regulators’ actions; instead, PRINX Chengshan views their intervention as an opportunity to improve and reaffirm its commitment to best practices.
Commitment to Sustainable and Responsible Manufacturing
The temporary suspension has reinforced PRINX Chengshan’s dedication to sustainable and responsible manufacturing. Since beginning operations in 2021, the Thai facility has been a flagship of the company’s green strategy, built with advanced technology to minimise environmental impact. The plant was designed under Industry 4.0 principles to achieve high efficiency and low waste, incorporating first-class equipment, intelligent systems, and green manufacturing standards from the outset.
The state-of-the-art Chon Buri factory achieves significantly enhanced production efficiency while dramatically reducing raw material waste and emissions compared to traditional plants.
PRINX Chengshan takes pride in this record and continues to invest in sustainable practices at the Thai plant and across all its global operations. These include robust waste management systems, emissions controls, and continuous improvement programs that align with both local regulations and international environmental standards. By maintaining these high standards, the company ensures that its growth is environmentally responsible and beneficial to the community.
Addressing Misleading Media Claims
In light of some misleading or exaggerated media coverage of the suspension, PRINX Chengshan is taking the opportunity to set the record straight. The company is aware that certain reports have mischaracterised the nature of the suspension, suggesting severe wrongdoing where there was none. Such reports, which spoke of illegal waste dumping or unsafe tyres, are inaccurate and not based on official facts.
PRINX Chengshan urges observers, including customers and partners, to rely on official disclosures and verified information rather than rumours or speculative reporting. “Unfortunately, some recent commentary has disregarded the facts. We want to be absolutely clear: our compliance record is solid, our products are safe, and we addressed the procedural issues promptly,” Thomas Wohlgemuth stated firmly. “There was no environmental negligence and no compromise on quality – any claims otherwise are simply untrue. Without naming any specific publications, the company rejects any slander of its brand image and stands by its long-standing reputation for quality and integrity. PRINX Chengshan remains committed to open communication and has been proactively updating stakeholders throughout this period.
The company will continue to provide timely updates on any further developments and encourages media outlets to contact its representatives for accurate information.
Moving Forward
With the Thai manufacturing base fully operational again, PRINX Chengshan is focused on moving forward and continuing to serve its customers and partners. The company views this event as a valuable learning experience that has ultimately strengthened its compliance processes and stakeholder trust. “Our Thailand facility is an important part of our global family, and it has been operating to support our sustainable growth since 2021. We are glad to see it humming along again,” said Thomas Wohlgemuth. “We will continue to uphold the highest standards of manufacturing excellence, environmental stewardship, and regulato
