Latest to have the standard of his service recognised by the tyre maker is Co Cork-based specialist Jim O'Hanlon whose O'Hanlon tyres business comprises two retail outlets, one at the company's head office in Millstreet and the other at Tralee Road, Castleisland, Co Kerry.
They join a nationwide network of 15 tyre retailers - 12 in the Republic of Ireland and three in Northern Ireland - who hold Michelin Certified Centre status.
Others are: Simon Allen (Global Tyres Carrickmacross and Dundalk); Robert Ferguson (Discount Tyres, Blanchardstown and Naas Tyre & Auto Services); Phil Flynn (Dungarvan Tyre Centre); Thom Fox (Ballinasloe Tyre Centre); Robert Frazer (Carryduff Tyres); Eamonn Gleeson (Eamonn Gleeson Tyres, Cahir); Wilson Mackey (A One Tyres, Dromore); Michael McGrath (Safeway Tyres, Ennis); Patsy Meyler (Meyler's Tyres Wexford); Cormac Nolan (Nolan tyres, Ballon, Co Carlow); and Alistair Simpson (Tyre Safety Centre, Cookstown).
Their achievements were recognised at a recent Michelin Certified Centre Business Seminar held in Mullingar, hosted by Michelin UK and Ireland Head of Distribution, Martyn Pointer, at which best practice, business trends and issues facing the tyre industry were discussed. The company intend growing the number of their Certified Centre dealers, north and south, by 2015.
They are the only tyre producer to operate a tyre manufacturing facility in Ireland with their bus and truck tyre production plant in Ballymena.
Pictured with Michelin's Martyn Pointer (seated centre) at the event were the successful Michelin Certified Centre dealers. They are (standing left to right) - Robert Ferguson, Michael McGrath, Jim O'Hanon, Cormac Nolan, Patsy Meyler, Thom Fox and Simon Allen. Seated are Jean Chambers (A One Tyres, Dromore) and Eamon Gleeson.
