Michelin North America Inc.'s TCi Tire Centers L.L.C. distribution unit plans to open eight distribution centers in the first quarter of 2012, expanding its network to 86 locations in 42 states.
“TCi has seen an increased demand from our passenger and light-truck retail customers throughout the U.S., and these markets are part of a growth strategy we have set for 2012,” said Jim Borkey, senior vice president of distribution for TCi.
Three of the new locations, in Atlanta, Chicago and Houston, will be in addition to existing centers in those cities, TCi said. The other new locations will be in Long Island, N.Y.; Lubbock, Texas; Richmond, Va.; San Jose, Calif.; and Toledo, Ohio.
TCi said it will lease the new locations, which are being built to its specifications. The company declined to release the facilities' sizes, the size of its business or specifics on its sales growth expectations.
Duncan-based TCi comprises a distribution unit serving passenger and light-truck tire retailers and commercial unit that operates 68 commercial tire centers and 10 Michelin Retread Technologies plants throughout the U.S.