Longtime tire industry executive Manny Cicero has been named chief executive officer of Triangle Tire USA, the newly formed U.S. subsidiary of global manufacturer Triangle Tyre Group Ltd.
Cicero has held leadership positions at several tire manufacturers. In his new role, he will lead efforts to meet Triangle Tyre Group’s goal to become a major player in the U.S., one of the world’s top tire markets.
“With his considerable experience in all segments of the tire industry and proven management skills, we consider Manny to be the ideal choice to head our efforts in the all-important U.S. tire market,” says Ding Yuhua, chairman of Triangle Tyre Group, Ltd.
“We look forward to establishing strategic, long-term relationships with key U.S. tire distributors and dealers, working closely with them to provide high-quality, technologically-advanced tires to American consumers and business owners.”
Triangle Tyre Group, China’s largest privately owned tire manufacturer, announced plans in November to establish a U.S. headquarters in Franklin, Tenn., south of Nashville.
Triangle Tire USA will market and sell medium/heavy (TBR) truck tires to the American trucking industry, as well as a comprehensive lineup of passenger and light truck tires, including ultra high performance (UHP), winter and specialty trailer tires. The company will also serve the construction, mining and aggregates industries here with off-the-road (OTR) tires, including giant radials.
“I’m excited about joining Triangle at this critical juncture in the company’s history as it emerges as a powerful global player,” Cicero says. “The company’s R&D capabilities, highly-advanced, automated manufacturing facilities and global team of tire industry leaders are truly impressive and make Triangle a formidable force.”
Cicero said he is the process of filling critical positions in finance, sales, marketing, engineering and customer service. He said he is looking forward to also meeting with key U.S. tire distributors to discuss how Triangle Tire USA can help them grow their businesses and serve their customers with high quality products and services.
Triangle Tire USA is located in a 3,150-square-foot office in Franklin’s Cool Springs area.
The company also operates a technical center in Akron, Ohio, which was opened in 2011, to help develop tires specifically for the U.S. market.
Triangle Tyre Group celebrates its 40th year in business in 2016. It is headquartered in Weihai, a major seaport city located in the eastern part of China’s Shandong province. The company operates five plants in China. Triangle says its R&D center in Weihai is one of the very few R&D institutions in China to have been awarded by the Chinese government the status of National Engineering Laboratory and National Industrial Design Institute.
