The Sailun Group will open the Sailun Tire Americas Technical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn., that will design and develop passenger, light truck, SUV, CUV and medium truck tires, plus tires for electric vehicles.
Tires will be developed for both the original equipment and replacement channels.
The decision to open the center "marks a significant step in the growth of R&D and the technical capabilities for the company in North America," say Sailun officials.
Terry Edwards will serve as the center's chief technical officer and will lead all activities there. Edwards "brings over four decades of expertise in the areas of OE and replacement tire R&D, quality and manufacturing" to his new role.
“The timing for our new technical center could not be better due to the transitioning market in North America," he notes.
"Both the existing market and the rapidly growing EV market are ideally matched for our EcoPoint3 compound technology. Together with our global R&D teams, we are confident that we will provide optimum performing products for the North American market."“We’re thrilled to formally announce the establishment of this R&D and quality center to further enhance our capabilities of supplying the North American market with affordable, quality tires," says Sailun Tire Americas President Ron Dolan.
"This new facility will help us achieve our long-term goals of being a leader in the value tier and fulfill the demand for STA products across the continent. We will continue to create great tires that meet the specific needs of our customers while still providing the value that our products and brands are known for."
