Dunlop Aircraft adds Desser as Americas' distributor

ERJ staff report (TB)

Montebello, California -- Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Ltd. has appointed Desser Tire & Rubber Co. Inc. of Montebello a distributor of its tyres for the Americas, joining Wilkerson Co. Inc. of Crewe, Virginia, in that distinction.

The contract adds the Dunlop brand to Desser's portfolio of Goodyear, Michelin, Condor and Specialty Tire brands, along with its Aero-brand retreads.

“This appointment is a key part of both companies' strategies to significantly grow both domestic and international markets, and we look forward to supporting customers with Dunlop's highly reliable products.” said Desser Tire Vice President Ken Faire.

Montebello-based Desser services the aircraft industry from its facilities in Montebello and Memphis, Tenn. It retreads more than 20,000 aircraft tyres annually at its plant in Montebello and carries out retread servicing and repair through its Aero Wheel and Brake Service Corp. Inc. subsidiary in Montebello.

Regarding Latin and South America, Desser said it already does considerable business throughout the region and has bilingual staffers to help deal with foreign markets.

Wilkerson Co. has been a Dunlop distributor for more than 40 years.

Dunlop Aircraft Tyres is in the process of adding radial tyre manufacturing capacity at its Birmingham, England, plant, using equipment purchased from Japan's Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. after Yokohama decided to exit the aircraft tyre business in 2009.

Dunlop also has appointed Ken Hutchins as technical sales manager for the Americas. Hutchins previously worked for aerospace companies Goodrich Co. and Messier-Bugatti, Dunlop said. He is based in Houston.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

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