TGI – ‘Got to be There’

Following the opening of a 600,000 square foot warehouse in Miami, Florida-based wholesaling operation Tire Group International (TGI) is setting its sights on greater international business. TGI has expanded 750 per cent since its foundation in 1992. In addition to its Miami, Florida and Leon, Mexico warehousing space, the company maintains warehousing capacity in Laredo Texas and Hamburg, Germany.

Although the company already conducts business in over eight countries, TGI is looking to further expand its business into the Asian, Eastern European and African markets. Perhaps that’s why company representatives told Tyres & Accessories: “If you are a player in this business you’ve got to be here,” referring to exhibiting at the Essen show.

On the subject of Europe, an rather interestingly, TGI sees the Republic of Ireland, though smaller than the UK, as just important in terms of sales. This market is described as less demanding in terms of speed that the UK and other leading European markets. However, Latin American remains the Florida company’s bread and butter.

Back across the Atlantic, TGI followed the opening of its new warehouse by launching a number of CTS (Commercial Tyre Service) retail outlets which focus on commercial fleets. This does not necessarily mean trucks, but it could do. CTS is described as a “state of the art”, full service facility specialising in fleet service for all types of vehicles with emphasis on heavy truck. CTS’s range of services include most modern truck wash facility in South Florida, full front end service, and the most complete selection of tyres for any vehicle, the company reports. TGI plans to open another three locations within the next two years and is exploring franchising opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

TGI does 55 per cent of its business in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras. And about 60 per cent of its total business is factory direct business. 40 per cent of what it delivers comes straight out of the company’s Miami distribution – a warehouse that stocks everything from wheel barrow to OTR tyres. From here the company says it can ship to anywhere in the South American continent within 10 days. In addition to all the premium brands you would expect, TGI distributes MRF tyres and its own Astro and Cosmo private brands.