Purcell Tire’s purchase of D&D Tire is expected to have a significant impact on servicing the nation’s large-vehicle tire needs. According to those involved in the deal, the acquisition expands industry access to D&D’s proprietary Elite Tire Management System (ETMS) and deepens Purcell’s ability to assist fleet managers wrestling with critical tire issues. “The ETMS program is designed to enable fleet and mine account managers and equipment managers to utilize the tire to its fullest capacity,” explains Britt Johnson, executive vice president of D&D and ETMS’ director. “ETMS provides a ‘holistic’ approach to tire management, resulting in the best possible operating costs for the customer.” Industry shortages, especially in the OTR (off-the-road) segment, have created more demand for ETMS guidance in recent years, Johnson reports. ETMS, which initially serviced mining customers, has since rolled out to the company’s overall commercial division. Based in Fernley, Nev., D&D has ten tire service centers located across Nevada and Southern Idaho; on-location satellite mine servicing sites in eight states, including Alaska; an OTR repair facility in Nevada plus a retreading plant in Idaho. Befitting its motto as The Silver State, Nevada produces the majority of precious metals mined in the U.S.; the D&D acquisition will double the size of Purcell’s mining tire division. Now boasting combined sales exceeding $300 million, the newly united company will have significantly expanded operations and more robust purchasing power, according to Keith Butcher, Purcell executive vice president. In 2007, the Purcell mining division launched enhanced retreading operations for large haulage tires with wheel diameters of 51 inches or more, saying the program is “poised to revolutionize the mining industry.” More than $5 million was earmarked for developing the technology and production capabilities needed to meet a global paucity of large haulage tires. Purcell is currently the only tire retreading company in the world to offer segmented mold retread systems designed to produce both 4000R57 and 46/90R57 haulage tires, as well as 52/80x57 thru 55/80R57 tires, according to CEO Robert G. Purcell. “The rapid growth of global mining operations, and resulting shortage of large haulage tires, has greatly affected both the operations and expansion plans of all large mining companies,” Purcell points out. “Our large haulage tire retreading service will deliver an important service to the marketplace in returning these tires to service, thereby increasing the profitability of large mines around the world.” Although major international rubber companies have launched expansion efforts in an attempt to meet the worldwide shortage, large haulage tires are expected to remain in short supply through 2012, he says. “Adding our giant tire retreading capabilities to D&D’s existing mine service business will be a true added value to the customer,” Purcell notes. “We’ve made a significant investment in helping our customers recycle tires,” he says. “It doesn’t make sense to buy new tires when you can recycle OTR tires so well. Rubber is a cost that mining companies can control. Recycling tires reduces costs and saves resources. By helping our customers to reduce operating costs, we also are helping them reduce their carbon footprint,” he adds. Purcell plans to operate D&D as a wholly-owned subsidiary throughout this year and into early 2009 as D&D’s operations are melded into Purcell’s with a single brand eventually emerging. “We share corporate cultures and a commitment to growth that truly benefits our customers and our associates,” Purcell explains. “Together we will continue to build our reputations for quality, service and outstanding workforces.” Both companies consider skilled employees to be their No. 1 asset. “Our 180 associates include an exceptionally qualified management team and some of the best trained and skilled technicians in the industry,” says Paul DiMartini, D&D’s founder and president. “This move will give our associates greater opportunity for growth and advancement in a dynamic industry.” D&D’s workforce includes mining engineers, mechanical engineers and safety engineers who have benefited from the company’s emphasis on ongoing training and certification through the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the Tire Association of North America (TANA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), DiMartini observes. DiMartini will continue as D&D’s president. Britt Johnson, D&D’s vice president, will join Phil Brannen, Purcell’s mining director, to serve as co-heads for the Global Mining Operation evolving from the newly merged companies. Founded in 1936 in Washington, Mo. By Robert M. Purcell, the company opened a second location in Granite City, Ill. in 1951. A third outlet in DeSoto, Mo. was established in 1964 under the direction of son Robert G. Purcell and his wife Juanita. The firm – now based in Potosi, Mo. near St. Louis – has since grown to more than 60 retail locations, six retread plants and a 24-hour vehicle fleet servicing 41 states. “Our sales personnel can perform monthly fleet surveys with computerized tire tracking programs that provide you with complete tire usage reports, including cost per mile or cost per hour,” Robert G. reports. “At our retread plants, customers can take a personal tour to get a complete perspective on retreading.” D&D was established in 1983 as a full service independent tire dealer. It has eight branches located across Nevada and Southern Idaho with additional remote sites located at mines in eight western states. It owns a Goodyear retreading plant in Caldwell, Idaho along with an OTR repair facility in Eureka, Nev. For more information, visit www.purcelltire.com or www.ddtire.com. |