[Eric in the Ozarks]

Years ago, I participated in a study of the North American tire industry when I worked for a refining company. One of the more surprising facts we found was OEM suppliers barely break even on the tires they supply to car makers. They depend on making a profit on the second set of tires since most motorists will replace their tires with the same brand.

This concept worked pretty well for decades until the advent of radial tires that last three or four times as long as the old design.

[noprogs]

Matter of fact, that caused the creation of the plant where I worked.

Management took a bias tire plant’s equipment and made it into an industrial products venture.

We made conveyor belts, low and medium pressure hose, automotive hoses, and ducting.

BTW, I stopped buying Cooper when the Georgia plant closed and Sarko took over in France. I went back to Michelin. However, given this latest news of union busting by Cooper, I may give their tires another look.