Ray Darcy Retires After 37 Years in Tyres

After 37 years in the family business, Ray Darcy is handing over the reins to a non-family member. Ray Darcy has been with the company firstly on a part time basis, then as full time manager, since his parents set up North Eastern Tyre and Exhausts in 1971, and is now retiring from the position of Retail Director. Roger Griggs, who brings with him 27 years experience in the industry, takes up the role with immediate effect.

The company, originally known as Melbourne Tyre and Exhausts was based in Brotton but expanded quickly and today boasts 11 bases across the retail and warehouse sectors, across the entire North of England. Having run the Marske and Brotton outlets for 23 years, Ray then took over the entire retail operation and took up the reigns of chairman in 1997.

Ray Darcy said: “Handing the reins over is hard after so many years but my successor is a competent retail director, and I am confident he will look after the family business as well as I was ever capable. I will still be visiting the depots, but look forward to spending quality time on my hobbies and with my family.”

Roger Griggs said he found the offer of the position too tempting to turn down. He said: “The company and its people, the challenge of moving my experience from one side of the industry to another (from manufacturing to retail) was all just too good an offer to pass up.

“I will be very quickly focussing on further investment in the region, building the company which will become known as North Eastern Tyre and Autocare, in a bid to highlight our extended offering of services. We now offer the very best in Autocare including servicing, MOT’s and general maintenance.

“I am also delighted that Ray will retain the position of non executive board chairman and look forward to working successfully with him and the rest of the management team for many years to come.”