Despite market volatility, Sailun Tire Americas’ business remains “on track,” says Ron Dolan, the company’s president.
MTD: Can you bring us up to speed on STA's business so far in 2025? What have some of the company's accomplishments and challenges been?
Dolan: Despite volatility in the global and local markets, our business has stayed on track in 2025. We’ve worked closely with our partners to ensure the right product mix, while keeping our brands highly visible and relevant to value-conscious consumers looking for dependable quality.
MTD: What's your take on the state of both the consumer and TBR tire markets in the U.S.? What are you hearing from your customers?
Dolan: We’re seeing signs of stabilization following last year’s inventory corrections. Consumer sellout has softened slightly and fleets remain cautious, especially in light of ongoing economic uncertainty. Across the board, customers are prioritizing reliable supply and long-term partnerships.
MTD: STA continues to invest heavily in product development, launching four different LT tires last year alone - each distributed through an exclusive partner. What's the strategy behind making them available through specific customers/distributors rather than making them available to the broad market?
Dolan: Our customers help guide us through our product development funnel. Their input, in combination with market intelligence data, gives us the confidence to move quickly and decisively. We are proud and thankful to partner with our network that shares our long-term vision to deliver tire solutions to the market.
MTD: Why is maintaining a steady cadence of new product launches important for both STA and its customers?
Dolan: Our goal is to provide our customers with tire solutions across their product screens and across all segments. As an example, we saw a gap a year or two ago in the R/T segment and mobilized quickly to close it.
MTD: Can you provide an update on the status of STA's plant that's under construction in Mexico? Is the project still on track?
Dolan: Yes. It is still on track and we are excited to give further updates later this year.
MTD: Will the recently announced tariffs by the Trump administration have an impact on STA's product manufacturing and/or product sourcing plans, including your plant in Mexico?
Dolan: STA is well-diversified from a manufacturing base and we believe we are positioned well to continue to supply our partners in the U.S. in this uncertain time.
MTD: Last year, STA opened a training center in Chattanooga, Tenn. Can you tell us about that investment and how it's helping your distributors and dealers?
Dolan: Our Chattanooga center had a strong first year. We hosted several hands-on PLT training sessions and received great feedback. This fall, we’re launching a TBR 101 program to complement it, which reinforces our commitment to providing modern and effective training for tire professionals at every stage in their career.
MTD: What can we expect to see from STA during the rest of 2025?
Dolan: We’re committed to delivering innovative solutions to our customers. Whether it’s on the product screen, deeper training, marketing, or smarter supply/logistics solutions, we’re focused on helping our partners win.
