GITI Tire setting up US unit to handle Chinese-made products

City of Industry, California -- Singapore-controlled GITI Tire, China´s largest independent tyre maker, is setting up a subsidiary in City of Industry to take over sales and marketing in North America of GITI's brands made in China.

The new company, GITI Tire (USA) Ltd., will open for business officially Nov. 1. It will take over sales and marketing responsibility for GITI brand tyres made in China -- including GT Radial, Runway, RoadPro and Primewell -- from TransPacific Tire & Wheel Inc., also based in City of Industry.

TransPacific, which has been the independent importer of record for the GITI brands in North America for the past 10 years, will shift its business to importing and selling tyres from other tyre makers in Southeast Asia, primarily Indonesia, according to Ronny Hoesada, chief financial officer and acting president.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)