Following its re-launch of the Spartan line of tires last year, Reliable Tire Distributors is seeking regional wholesalers to help distribute the brand.
David Long, president of Reliable Tire's Spartan Tire division, said the company has identified about 10 to 12 states that could be filled in over the next year or two. The new arrangements would likely be on a smaller scale than Reliable's pact with Universal Cooperatives Inc., which markets the Spartan brand under a licensing contract. Still, the company is looking for distributors large enough to buy container programs that also can expand the retail network in their area.
Reliable Tire also has its own seven distribution centers that cover roughly 12 states in the eastern U.S.
``We feel comfortable about the growth; we're right on schedule,'' Mr. Long said.