Purcell Tire & Rubber Co., the largest OTR tire retreader in the U.S., has purchased the Northwest Retreaders Division of NRI Inc., the second largest.
The acquisition of Northwest Retreaders brings together two family-owned companies that are heavily focused on the off-the-road retreading sector.
"This combining of businesses will aid in allowing us to bring innovative and new solutions to our customers and to be the market leader in not only off-the-road retreading, but also in the specialty markets such as the ports and industrial sectors where Northwest has been so strong," says Bob Purcell, owner of Purcell Tire.
Purcell jumps to number three on Modern Tire Dealer's "Top 100 Retreaders in the U.S." list by acquiring Northwest Retreaders; NRI was 18th on the list. Purcell trails only Southern Tire Mart LLC and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., neither of which retreads OTR tires.
Combining the operations gives Purcell the ability to retread approximately 181 OTR retreads a day, according to MTD estimates. In addition, Purcell becomes the largest independent retreader in the nation
NRI, founded in 1978 by Willis Gill, will continue to operate its new tire wholesale division (www.nwr4tires.com).
The first Purcell Tire and Service Center location was opened in 1936 by Bob's father, Robert M. Purcell, in Washington, Miss. He established a second location in Granite City, Ill., In 1951. His son, Robert G. Purcell, opened a third location in De Soto, Miss., in 1964.
Under the direction of Robert G. Purcell and his wife, Juanita, those three locations expanded to more than 72 service locations in 11 states and five countries; five retread plants; and a fleet of vehicles that provide pick-up and delivery service to 41 states.
In 2004, Bob and Juanita received Modern Tire Dealer magazine's Tire Dealer of the Year award, the first couple to receive the honor.
