The Tire Industry Association, in a move to cut costs, is closing its training facility in Louisville, Ky., by the end of the month.
"It's purely a financial issue," says Roy Littlefield, TIA's executive vice president. TIA recorded a "significant deficit" in its last fiscal year, and is trying to "cut costs and consolidate staff." The building will be put up for sale.
Littlefield said the retread and repair classes held at the center have been dwindling, as more dealers want CTS (Commercial Tire Service) and ATS (Automotive Tire Service) training to come to them. "We're trying to respond to the members needs on training."
Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of education and technical services, and Chris Marnett, director of training, will move to TIA's home office in Bowie, Md. One other employee has been offered the opportunity to move as well.
Littlefield says closing the facility was one of the hardest decisions he had to make because of the "great people (in Louisville) who have done a great job for the association."
