Plaza Tire Service Inc. has added a second location in Jonesboro, Ark., giving the company 70 locations in four states.

National franchise operation RNR Tire Express had a banner year in 2020 and is poised for an even better 2021. The Tampa. Fla.-based company has agreements in place to open nearly 50 more franchise outlets before the end of the year. Larry Sutton, president of RNR Tire Express, wants 500 franchise locations by 2027. It’s an ambitious target, but well within reach, he says.

Point S Canada is continuing its expansion into Western Canada in partnership with North Country Tire Distributors Ltd.. The company has opened 16 retail locations in western provinces under its Point S and Otobox brands.

Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc. will raise prices on its Falken and Ohtsu passenger, light truck and medium truck tires sold in the United States and Canada up to 10% effective Oct. 1.

Hyundai has selected the Kumho Crugen HP71 to be original equipment on its 2022 Santa Cruz model, which has been categorized by the auto manufacturer as a "sport adventure vehicle." Kumho Tire USA Inc. will supply the Crugen HP71 in size 245/60R18.

AME International has unveiled its new 14401 Heavy Duty Pin Style Jack Stands, which are sold in pairs and have a weight capacity of 22 U.S. tons each.

Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America Inc. has released its popular Yokohama RR42 IND-4 steel-belted radial in the 480/95R25 size. Capable of loads of up to 37,500 pounds at 15 miles per hour and rated for speeds up to 21.7 miles per hour, the tire targets the new class of straddle carriers.

Global Rubber Industries Pvt. Ltd. has made a number of enhancements at its plants in Sri Lanka to optimize its "green manufacturing" processes, a major priority for the company, which sells specialty tires in the United States.

Maxam Tire North America has added two sizes, 30/75-29 and 18.00-25, to its Maxam MS708 line, which is "constantly evolving for wheel loaders operating in the most severe waste, recycling and underground mining applications," according to company officials.

Michelin North America Inc.'s ONCall Emergency Roadside Service program has put more than two million trucks back on the road. A service technician from Massillon, Ohio-based Ziegler Tire & Supply Co.'s Cincinnati, Ohio, location completed the two millionth call.

Los Angeles, Calif.-based private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners is now a majority investor in Sun Auto Tire & Service. Tony Puckett will join Sun Auto as the company's new CEO, replacing Frank Kneller, who has stepped down to "pursue other opportunities," according to a statement from Sun Auto.

Bridgestone Americas Inc. has purchased 10% share in Wrench, a mobile vehicle services company. The partnership "paves the way" for the companies to "explore synergies in their service offerings, including pairing Bridgestone's 2,200-plus company-owned stores with Wrench's complementary mobile services marketplace."

Can you force your employees to get vaccinated? Mario Barrera, an attorney who specializes in labor and employment law, says the answer is yes, but he also explains why you should consult with an expert before imposing a vaccine mandate. Consider this one more piece of your workplace safety puzzle.