Despite strikes at its seven unionized tire manufacturing facilties in the United States, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. says it is producing all its branded products, including its three major brands: Goodyear, Dunlop and Kelly.
The company operates one non-union tire plant in Lawton, Okla. The Lawton facility is Goodyear's largest in the U.S., with a production capacity of 66,000 passenger and light truck tires per day, according to Modern Tire Dealer's 2006 Facts Issue.
In response to questions and/or rumors about the uncertain future and possible elimination of the Kelly brand -- some of which made the rounds at the recent SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas -- Goodyear sent the following letter to its Kelly dealers earlier this week:
"This is simply not true. Goodyear believes, as do its dealers, that the Kelly brand is a very strong and viable brand. The brand retains appeal with consumers, and is widely known in many regional markets and with our dealers.
"In recent years, Goodyear has committed to the Kelly brand with new products, more POS materials, dealer-tagged advertisements and improved support programs.
"Goodyear looks ahead to many more exciting years for the Kelly brand."
