Kenda breaks ground on new Martin Wheel manufacturing plant in Ohio

Kenda has broken ground on the construction of a new 198,000 sq ft Martin Wheel manufacturing facility in Brimfield Township, Ohio, USA. In a social media post announcing the start of construction, the Taiwan-headquartered tyre and wheel firm said the facility, which will contain a plant, warehouse and office space will support growing demand for speciality tyres and wheels in the United States. and is set to be operational in 2024.

Darrell Ruthrauff. vice-president and general manager, Kenda Tire & Wheel – Martin Wheel Division, said the groundbreaking represents “an important milestone in Martin Wheel’s history” adding that the firm “has been a part of the northeast Ohio community for over 65 years.” He described the support for its outdoor power equipment, golf cart and trailer industry customers as “paramount”. He said that the additional space would allow Martin Wheel to expand its service and capabilities.

Jimmy Yang, Kenda chairman welcomed the expansion, observing that Kenda is a “longtime resident” of Ohio: “Our continued growth will bring new opportunities and jobs in the manufacturing and distribution sector.” He revealed that the expansion had been assisted by Portage County Development Board, County Trustees, Team NEO Jobs Ohio and local officials.

The new Martin Wheel facility will be designed and constructed by Campbell Construction of Wooster, Ohio.

Martin Wheel currently supplies tyre and wheel assemblies to manufacturers of equipment for lawn and garden applications like mowers, spreaders and carts. It also supplies a number of other segments , including material handling equipment; pressure washers; ground support equipment at airports; trailers for boats, campers and utility: golf carts; personal mobility vehicles; robots; and athletic equipment. Kenda supplies its own brand and Martin Wheel products to national US retailers like Northern Tool, Tractor Supply, Menards and True Value stores, as well as many independently owned hardware and farm and ranch retailers across the USA.