National Business Digest

NATION

Chrysler denies rumors of bankruptcy protection

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — A Chrysler LLC spokeswoman says speculation the company plans to file for bankruptcy protection is not true.

The rumors were so prevalent Thursday that the company was forced to issue a statement.

Spokeswoman Shawn Morgan says the speculation is false and without merit. She says they do not reflect the privately owned company’s financial situation.

REGION

MKM to lease local space

NORTH LIMA — MKM Distribution Services, a logistics company based in Indianapolis, is leasing 48,000 square feet of warehouse space on Eastgate Industrial Drive near the Interstate 80 interchange, Kutlick Realty said.

The company plans to create 30 jobs.

MKM also has locations in Maryland, Alabama, Texas and New York.

Goodyear to expand plants

AKRON — Goodyear Tire Rubber Co. plans to invest at least $1 billion annually through 2010 to expand and improve plants and will focus more on international growth markets such as China, Russia and Brazil, company executives said Thursday.

The biggest U.S. tire maker and third largest globally outlined its strategy during an investors’ conference in New York.

The company is counting on growth in its global markets and increasing sales of higher priced tires, Goodyear chairman and chief executive Robert J. Keegan told investors.

Vindicator staff and wire reports