FINDLAY -- Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has announced that it is adding capacity at its Findlay, Ohio, tire plant with an additional $10 million investment in automation, cost improvements and retooling to support market trends. As a result of those investments, capacity will increase and up to 100 people will be hired.

"In addition, in 2010, the Findlay plant will play a key role in Cooper Tire's launch of several new light truck, SUV and premium winter tire products," said Cooper North American Tire Manufacturing Vice President John Bodart. "Taken together, this expansion demonstrates the strong impact Findlay has on the company's strategic objectives of creating a sustainable, competitive cost position, achieving top-line profitable growth and building our organizational capabilities."

This year, Cooper has announced capacity increases and expansions of its manufacturing facilities in Texarkana, Ark., and Tupelo, Miss., as well as in its joint venture in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the Cooper Kenda Tire joint venture facility in Kunshan, China.