North West Tyres Takes on New Brand

Hanksugi Japan has a new distributor for the UK. Following Hanksugi Japan’s decision to release Stamford Tyres from any duties in Europe, North West Tyres (NWT) from Morecambe, Lancashire, has been appointed as a partner for distribution. As NWT’s managing director Andrew Wess explains, his company has just received the first 20 containers full of Hanksugi truck tyres from the company’s factory in China. These tyres, which are first to be supplied to Europe’s central warehouses, are what Mr Wess calls an “initial buffer stock” for the sales operations that are about to commence. When NWT took over the Hanksugi business in the UK itself, the company began looking “for the right people” in other European markets. North West Tyres says it can guarantee on-time supply, even at short notice for customers in the UK or Ireland and for relatively small amounts because it runs its own delivery fleet of 20 vehicles.

NWT has exclusive European distribution rights for Hanksugi but is willing to co-operate with national tyre distributors in all European countries. The company already has several new prospects throughout Europe. Hanksugi’s truck tyres won’t replace any products in Mr Wess’ portfolio, instead they are seen as complimentary.

NWT’s managing director agrees with Juan Carlos Roa, general manger international sales at Hanksugi Tyres International, who said during an interview with Tyres & Accessories: “The number of available truck tyres was, at present, relatively small but very adaptive and covered major areas of the European truck tyre market. Currently, Hanksugi truck tyres are available in 295/80 R22.5, 315/80 R22.5 and 385/65 R22.5. This is 75 per cent of what is needed on the European market. Along with developing new sizes which will promote growth through out Europe.

“Hanksugi was founded in 2002. Our goal was to develop radial and bias truck and bus tyres with perfect tread patterns for territories around the world. We have achieved for our customers excellent quality, long lasting per mile usage at a low price using the highest Japanese technology available.”

Hanksugi tyres have been tested and comply with Europe (ECE), USA (DOT). The company’s truck tyres are all manufactured in a state-of-the-art factory in Henan province, China, the general manager says.

Furthermore, Hanksugi Japan manufactures its own steel wheels and rims and claims to have the only factory in the world that can ship assembled truck wheels and tyres together. “This provides a huge advantage for our customers in freight costs,” Hanksugi’s general manager points out.