Sharp to replace Culler at Goodyear AKRON—Goodyear has named William J. Sharp to lead its North American Tire business unit, succeeding Eugene R. Culler Jr., who is retiring July 1 after more than 38 years with the tire maker.
Mr. Culler joined Goodyear in 1961 and moved up through its international operations, serving as president of both its European and Canadian businesses before being named executive vice president of North American Tire in April 1995, a position he also held from 1988 to 1991.
Mr. Sharp, whose title will be president of North American Tire, has been president of global support operations.
Hankook dedicates two new factories
JIANGSU, China—Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. dedicated two tire plants in China in May that together are valued at more than $200 million.
The Korean tire maker's Jiangsu factory, unveiled May 18, will have an annual capacity of 2.45 million tires. The plant is a joint venture in which 85 percent of the total $96 million investment came from Hankook and the remainder from the Chinese government.
On May 21, a $120 million plant entirely underwritten by Hankook was dedicated in Jiaxing. Its annual capacity will be 1.8 million tires.
A Hankook spokesman said more than half of the output from the factories is destined for export under the brand name ``Kingstar.'' The company, he added, plans to invest an additional $300 million in the two plants by 2002 to boost their capacities.
Lift maker moves production plant
SAN DIEGO—Advantage/Globe Lift Systems Inc., maker of in-ground hydraulic lifts, has relocated its Pennsylvania manufacturing operation to Southern California.
The company said it expects to reduce costs by moving into a new 267,000-sq.-ft. plant in the San Diego area near its headquarters. Its goal is to consolidate similar production facilities run independently since Advantage and Globe merged in March 1997. Prior to that, Advantage operated entirely from San Diego and Globe manufactured its product in Pennsylvania.
New headquarters for wheel maker
NORTHVILLE, Mich.—Wheel and brake manufacturer Hayes Lemmerz International Inc. has opened its new world headquarters.
The company's new address and phone number is: 15300 Centennial Drive, Northville, Mich. 48167; phone: (800) 521-0515 or (734) 737-5000.
New Conti chief named to board
HANOVER, Germany—Continental A.G.'s supervisory board has appointed Stephan Kessel as chairman of the executive board.
He replaces Hubertus von Gruenberg, 56, who resigned that post and took early retirement June 1. Mr. von Gruenberg subsequently was elected chairman of the supervisory board.
Mr. Kessel, who had been overseeing Conti's commercial vehicle tires, quality and environment and international operations, also will now head the car tire division. Hans-Joachim Nikolin was named as his replacement in commercial tires.
Deadline nears for 'humanitarian'
AKRON—The July 31 deadline is fast approaching for submitting nominations for Tire Business' sixth annual Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award.
The award honors an independent tire dealer who has made a difference in his or her community.
The winner will receive a special medal and a $1,000 donation to the charity of his or her choice during the 1999 Tire Association of North America/Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show in Las Vegas Nov. 2-5.
To enter, use the form on page 19 of this issue or call Tire Business at (330) 836-9180.
Yokohama to build new warehouse
FULLERTON, Calif.—Yokohama Tire Corp. plans to break ground late this summer for a new warehouse/distribution center in Barrow County, Ga., that is expected to open in the spring of 2000.
Plans call for a more than 400,000-sq.-ft. facility that will replace Yokohama's current warehouse in Suwanee, Ga.