Brian Funnell and Lennie Wells become NTDA honorary life members
In addition to a number of popular and highlight competitive Tyre Industry Awards, the NTDA also recognised two of its leading regional leaders – Brian Funnell and Lennie Wells.
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Pirelli looks to add to BRC asphalt success on Ulster Rally
Pirelli will supply its crews with the P Zero RK range of asphalt tyres, including the RK7B medium compound, as it seeks another strong showing at the Ulster Rally, the latest stage in the British Rally Championship. Pirelli locked out the podium places on the one previous all-Tarmac event this season – the Circuit of Ireland in April – and will be supplying a strong contingent of drivers on the 19-20 August event.
ECP expands in Northern Ireland
Car parts distributor Euro Car Parts (ECP) has increased its presence in Northern Ireland with the opening of a new branch at Diviny Drive, Portadown in County Armagh.
SDC trailers bought by Chinese firm CIMC
Chinese firm CIMC Vehicles has acquired Northern Irish firm Retlan Manufacturing Limited, which includes well-known trailer manufacturer SDC Trailers
Local news sources quote David Li, general manager and director of the board of CIMC Vehicles, as saying: “We are delighted to have acquired the Retlan Group. The acquisition will mark an exciting new chapter in its history. We look forward to working with the existing management to continue its fine tradition of high quality UK-based manufacturing and to the opportunity for further investment to help grow the business.”
Euro Car parts opens Londonderry depot
Euro Car Parts (ECP), the leading distributor of car parts, has opened its new Londonderry branch, employing 19 new members of staff to strengthen its delivery service across Northern Ireland.
NTDA ‘alarmed’ by Northern Ireland tyre tread depth survey results
During March NTDA members in Northern Ireland removed more than 3000 car and light commercial van tyres that were below the legal tread depth limit of 1.6mm. The details were revealed at the NTDA Northern Ireland regional meeting, which took place on 7 April.
Pro-Align to open new facility in Dublin
Garage equipment supplier Pro-Align will continue the development of its operations in Ireland with the opening of a new facility in Dublin. The new premises will provide demonstration and training facilities, enabling workshops to see and experience the Hunter range of complete wheel servicing equipment at first hand. A full alignment bay and wheel servicing area will be included, similar to its Towcester base in the UK, alongside a dedicated service area and warehousing.
Kirkby Tyres expands Ireland operations with OE development manager
Speke-based tyre wholesaler Kirkby Tyres has expanded its operations in Ireland with the appointment of new original equipment business development manager (Ireland). Sean Dougan joins the company following 20 years at Philip White Tyres, giving him “a wealth of experience in the industry,” Kirkby stated.
Michelin in talks over Ballymena settlement
Staff representatives and Michelin managers at the French tyre maker’s Ballymena, Northern Ireland truck tyre factory are discussing redundancy packages following the news that the factory is to close in mid-2018. Michelin representatives declined to comment on individual cases, but local press reports suggest particular offers have already been made.
Michelin not currently in Bushmills discussions over Ballymena – statement
Following reports that Irish whiskey manufacturer Bushmills is interested in purchasing Michelin’s closing truck tyre plant in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, the tyre manufacturer has issued a statement clarifying the plant’s current status.
From tyres to whiskey: Bushmills shows interest in Michelin’s Ballymena site
As Michelin announced in November 2015, the tyre maker intends to close its Ballymena truck tyre factory in Northern Ireland; the plan is to wind down the facility, which currently employs around 860 people, between now and mid-2018. The stiff drink some plant workers may have needed after hearing the news isn’t the only connection between the Ballymena factory and alcohol – the BBC reports that Bushmills Whiskey has made enquiries about purchasing the site.
Michelin supplying Effitires solution to Morgan McLernon fleet
Chilled and frozen food transportation specialist Morgan McLernon has signed up its 530 commercial vehicle assets to Effitires by Michelin solutions, with the Northern Ireland-based company declaring the tyre management package “comprehensive and cost-effective”.
Apaseal exclusive Corghi distributor for over 40 years
Following reports of different distribution arrangements in England and wales, Apaseal representatives recently contacted Tyres & Accessories in order to clarify that Apaseal is in fact the exclusive distributor of Corghi in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, a role it has successfully maintained – and indeed grown – for over 40 years.
Kerr’s invests in 14 new jobs, Newtownards tyre centre
Kerr’s Tyres has announced it is investing in 14 new jobs across the chain’s Antrim, Belfast, Coleraine and forthcoming Newtownards tyre centres following an investment of more than £1,000,000 in the business. The jobs will range from tyre fitters, breakdown fitters, mechanics, mobile mechanics, apprentices, IT personnel and assistant managers.
25% of cars in Ballymena driving on ‘dangerous’ tyre pressures
The tyres on almost 2 per cent of cars tested by Michelin in Ballymena were classified as ‘dangerous’. Local news sources report that, at a recent free ‘Fill Up With Air’ promotion hosted by Michelin at Tesco, Ballymena, 158 vehicles had their tyre pressure and condition checked.
