ITMA reports “record” membership amid Brexit concerns

Essex, UK – Membership of UK trade association the Imported Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ITMA) has reached a “record” 21 companies following the addition of two new members.

Yanchang Rubber of China and Dutch company Van den Ban are the latest players to join the ITMA, which offers support and services to its members in the UK and European tire markets.

“The legislation affecting sales of tires in Europe continues to be complex and constantly evolving so it’s important that manufacturers and wholesalers intending to grow their business in the region are fully compliant with all relevant rules and regulations,” said Alfred Graham, president, ITMA.

ITMA, he added, will help the members grow in the region through its legislative and technical knowledge as well as support services.

Post-Brexit, noted Graham, it is likely that the European marketplace could become even more fragmented and complex.

This will make it more important for international tire manufacturers to have access to regulatory and technical changes in time, he added.

“There are clear challenges faced by any non-European based tire manufactures in EU & UK market. ITMA has created a channel for us to be closer to EU policy,” explained Yanchang Rubber’s Sean Yaliang Xu.

“We are looking forward to a constructive cooperation with the organisation [ITMA] and our co-members,” added Frans van Lenten, managing director of Van den Ban Group.

Established in the 1970s, ITMA works with other tire industry associations, government departments and the European Union in response to any proposed regulatory changes that are likely to impact or affect its members.