For Continental, establishing this company in Fort Mill reflects a need for a quality dealer/retreader in the Carolinas and finding a reliable partner in Mr. Snyder, according to Paul Williams, executive vice president, commercial vehicle tires. Having the plant in Fort Mill so close to Conti's North American headquarters also provides a convenient platform for training new employees and showing potential LifeCycle licensees a working shop, he added.
"DLS Retreading has been a great ambassador already for Continental products, and we look forward to helping them continue their success," Mr. Williams said.
Mr. Snyder said he expects the business to bevgenerating $1 million a month in sales by year-end, and he said he has a "very aggressive growth plan" for the next five years.
South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said, "South Carolina's automotive sector continues to create jobs, and announcements like this one build on our reputation in the tire industry. DLS Retreading will create good-paying jobs that will have an impact in Lancaster County and beyond."
The facility, a former building goods warehouse, has 11 drive-up service docks and sufficient size for expansion. DLS Retreading will have a wheel refurbishing / powder coating facility in house, for example, Mr. Snyder said.
The DLS Retreading facility is the first of Continental's licensees in the U.S. to be a completely new retreading venture, with no pre-existing operations, Mr. Snyder said.
"Continental is a top-tier truck tire, and everyone wants to try their solution of new tires with matching retreads. Now we're here to help prove to these local fleets, with Continental's support, that Continental is an excellent choice for their life-cycle needs," Mr. Snyder said.