GPX Expands Global Distribution Capabilities

Speciality tyre manufacturer, GPX International Tire Corporation, has become the first tyre manufacturer to open a mixing warehouse facility in China’s newest free trade zone. The new 140,000 square foot facility (13,000 square metres) is designed to support international trade and is strategically located in North East China’s Tanggu Port. Tanggu is the largest man-made port in China and provides GPX with close access to global shipping lanes. The mixing warehouse is critical in further developing leading-edge solutions for GPX customers around the world. GPX says it expects to start offering tyres through its new mixing facility in the first quarter of 2006.

Bob Sherkin, chairman and co-CEO of GPX commented: “As we expand globally, we recognised the need to develop a solution that provides the flexibility to custom tailor programmes based on regional demands. In order to service the need for regional programmes, we began researching the opportunity to develop a mixing facility in Asia. For GPX, the most appropriate location was Tanggu port, which is ideally located to provide a cost-effective and timely solution, particularly for the markets in the South Pacific, Asia and Latin America. Europe will also see some benefits; however, it is our goal to continue servicing Europe through our established European channels.”

In order to provide GPX’s customers with the benefit of being able to purchase the quantity and variety of tyres that they require, GPX has traditionally developed a network of warehouse facilities close to its customer base. In the US, GPX operates seven warehouses to ensure fast efficient delivery of its Galaxy, Primex and Aeolus brands.

GPX’s provides branded specialty tyres to over 1,000 aftermarket dealers in North America and over 30 OEMs. In addition, GPX leverages its foreign sourcing capabilities to provide contract manufacturing for certain major tyre retailers, and distributes commercial and light truck tyres.

GPX has long-term relationships with tyre manufacturing partners in China. In addition to sourcing from third party contract manufacturers, the company owns and operates production facilities in Europe.