Buoyed by its recent partnership deal with China’s Qingdao Doublestar Tyre Co., Del-Nat Tire Corp. claims an "expanding customer base and a growing appreciation and regard for its brands."

The deal with Qingdao Doublestar Tyre gives the Chinese tiremaker its first North America distribution center. The company will warehouse Doublestar brand medium and heavy-duty radial truck tires in the Del-Nat’s 486,000-square-foot facility in Memphis. 

Del-Nat said that the deal could mean “additional opportunities in private label tire production and distribution between the two organizations are possible in the future.”

“We hope this warehousing and logistics partnership with Doublestar is just the beginning of a growing business relationship for products and services,” said Jim Mayfield, Del-Nat Tire president. “We also hope this presents an opportunity for Memphis to establish itself within this major global production company for additional product distribution opportunities.”

Mayfield said that “industry leaders who once questioned the viability of the company (Del-Nat) now regard it with respect.” Del-Nat Tire claims annual sales of more than $200 million, and has 75 dealer stockholders.

Del-Nat Tire, Mayfield said, “has been able to establish a strong network of domestic and international manufacturers to produce its brands and at the same time make its distribution process more economical and timely.”

“Our business model exits to create independence for our stockholders,” said Randy Gaetz, vice president of sales and marketing. “There is no hidden agenda regarding our distribution strategy or who we will sell to.”

Founded in 1989, Del-Nat Tire currently offers four brands of tires:

• Delta – passenger and light truck/SUV tires

• National – a variety of products similar to the Delta line.

• Chaparral – described as “a neutral brand” of light truck/SUV lines. 

• Akuret – commercial products including, farm, OTR, skid-steer, and bias light truck, truck and trailer.