Tireco, Hangzhou Zhongce form Westlake Brand Distribution Deal

Tireco Inc. and Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. have entered into a long-term exclusive distribution agreement that will allow Tireco to distribute Westlake branded consumer tires in the U.S.

Tireco will offer the Westlake brand on both a factory direct and a USA direct program from its 1.2 million-square-foot facility in Fontana, Calif.

“We are very excited to offer our clients Hangzhou Zhongce’s premier product line. The Westlake line encompasses one of the broadest consumer product offerings available in the market today and is widely regarded for its consistent, high quality standards and performance value,” said Victor Li, Tireco vice president of sales and marketing. “Combined with Tireco’s national distribution expertise, industry-leading fill rates, proven brand development and support, Westlake is poised to become the import program of choice.”

Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. is China’s largest tire manufacturer and is ranked 9th globally among all tire manufacturers. Founded in 1952 as Hangzhou Rubber General Factory, the company employs some 25,000 people and has an annual manufacturing capacity of more than 40 million tires.

Tireco, a national private brand marketing and distribution company founded in 1972, exclusively distributes the Geostar, Milestar, Nanco, Tracgard and Geotrac brands, and also is the exclusive distributor of Nankang-made products in North America.

GRI recently conducted programs in Sri Lanka to empower women and motivate children under its Green x Circle initiative. The company said these endeavors aimed to address the needs of the community, focusing on both women empowerment and youth motivation.

GRI recently organized a training program titled "Management of household finance under current economic conditions" at the Ingiriya Rubber Collecting Center in Sri Lanka, South Asia led by Shashika Nimali, an NLP practitioner and life coach. The company said this initiative provided women in the industry with essential skills and knowledge to effectively manage household finances. GRI's tailored training sessions equipped participants with tools for informed decision-making, ultimately fostering greater financial security and independence, the company said.