TORONTO — Fountain Tire has struck a supply alliance with BKT Tires Canada Inc. to add BKT's line of off-the-road (OTR) tires at its locations across Canada.
"Fountain Tire is in the business of helping people get there — safely, sustainably and successfully," Nelson Tonn, vice president, sales and mine service at Fountain Tire, said.
"The addition of BKT OTR tires to our product lineup allows us to support the diverse needs of our customers in mining, oil and gas and construction."
The supply agreement broadens Fountain Tire's selection of bias and radial OTR tires and offers a new distribution channel for BKT Tires in Canada, the new business partners said. According to BKT, Edmonton, Alberta-based Fountain Tire sought out BKT as a supplier due to the Indian tire company's large product assortment, manufacturing quality and deep commitment to innovation.
"Our customers have been asking for a more diverse product range," Yves Richard, senior director product and supply at Fountain Tire, said. "Continually evaluating and building upon our offering of quality products and services is a key part of Fountain Tire's customer service commitment."
Established in 1956, Fountain Tire operates over 160 retail and commercial tire and auto service locations throughout Central and Western Canada. It didn't say how many of these locations offer OTR tire service.
The company also lists Aeolus, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Kelly and Titan as brands it carries in its commercial tire business.
For its part, Mumbai-based BKT said the deal was a strategic move, allowing it to strengthen its position in the OTR industry in North America.
"This alliance allows BKT to expand our OTR footprint in Canada," Rajiv Poddar Jr. managing director of BKT, said. "By aligning with Fountain Tire, we are able to serve a growing OTR segment."
BKT did not comment on its sales expectations for the deal nor the size of its business in Canada. The company opened its Canadian sales company, BKT Tires Canada Inc., in Toronto in 2013. The company has six industry specialists throughout the country, but did not identify other companies handling its tires in Canada.
BKT's portfolio of off-highway tires serves both the OTR (mining, construction, etc.) and agricultural sectors. The company recently expanded its radial EarthMax lineup with the addition of 51- and 57-inch sizes.
