QINGDAO, China (May 5, 2015) — Tire processing machinery maker Heico Tire & Rubber Group has opened an office in Qingdao to provide aftermarket sales and service for customers in China, especially those in the tire and rubber industry.
Heico Tire Group comprises three allied machinery manufacturing companies — Bartell Machinery Systems, RMS Equipment and Steelastic Co. — under the Heico Companies L.L.C. umbrella.
The Qingdao office opens with a staff of eight under General Manager Zhaoliang Yin, but Heico expects to expand its staff there next year to meet demand.
“We are delighted to expand our service capabilities in the Chinese market,” said Patrick Morocco, president of Bartell Machinery Systems.
Heico also sells machinery for the wire, cable, oil and gas industries.
Two of Heico Tire's businesses, Steelastic and RMS Equipment, moved into new quarters in Akron in January. The facility, in northwest Akron, spans 100,000 square feet and was purpose-built for Heico. It features a state-of-the-art demonstration lab and research and development space, as well as 15,000 square feet of office space.
RMS makes single- and two-stage tire building machines and rubber extruders; Steelastic makes equipment for applying belt, body and cap plies; and Rome, N.Y.-based Bartell specializes in tire bead winding and handling systems.
Chicago-based Heico is the parent holding company for a diversified portfolio of more than 35 businesses involved in manufacturing, construction and industrial services generating more than $2 billion in collective annual revenue.