American Kenda Rubber Industrial Co. Ltd. played host to the 50th anniversary party for its parent, Kenda Rubber Industrial Co. Ltd., in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, on Sept. 14, 2012.
In attendance were Chairman Ying-Ming Yang and Vice-Chairman Jimmy Yang (who doubles as president of American Kenda), and Kenda Rubber President Hongder Chang.
Ying-Ming, Jimmy's older brother, started with the company in 1974. He said his expertise is in general management, while Jimmy's is in sales.
The company was started by the brothers' father, Chin-Pao Yang, in 1962. He lived to be 86 years of age. Their mother, Yu-shia Yang, passed away at 102 last year.
"We've enjoyed growing with Kenda, and look forward to continuing with the relationship," said C.J. Wood, director of business intelligence for Tire Discounters Inc. The 75-store chain, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, sells Kenda's consumer tire lines, including the new Klever M/T.
Kenda manufactures passenger and light truck tires for the United States market at its new factory in Yuan-Lin, Taiwan. At full capacity, the new plant is slated to produce 5,000 units daily.
(Kenda will hold another celebration at its headquarters in Taiwan on Sept. 28.)
According to Bob Phoenix, the Automotive Division's vice president of sales, American Kenda's goal is to have replacement market share of 1% by 2014.
He added that the company will be introducing the Vezda Eco, an eco-friendly tire featuring low rolling resistance, at the 2012 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas, Nev., Oct. 30 through Nov. 2. It initially will be available in 25 sizes.
American Kenda Rubber Industrial Co. does business as Kenda USA. For more information about Kenda tires, visit www.kendatire.com.
