American Tire Distributors Inc. (ATD), one of North America’s largest independent tire wholesalers, is launching a company-wide strategic reset following the loss of two of its most prominent vendor relationships, including Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Bridgestone Americas.
In a public statement, ATD described recent changes in its supplier network as “one of the most significant transitions in our company’s history,” acknowledging that the disruption has impacted “our customers, partners, and the industry.”
The reset comes after Goodyear and Bridgestone, two of the top global tire manufacturers, cut distribution ties with ATD within the past year. Bridgestone terminated its relationship in early 2024, citing a desire to go direct-to-dealer and reduce channel conflict. Goodyear followed later in 2024, signaling a similar shift toward tighter control of its distribution channels.
Although ATD did not explicitly name the vendors in its latest statement, the company acknowledged the significance of the departures. “We recognize the impact these changes have had,” the company said, pledging to meet the moment “with transparency, urgency, and resolve.”
ATD plans to counter the disruption with a multi-pronged strategy focused on rebuilding its product portfolio, investing in logistics and automation, and reinforcing relationships with existing and prospective customers and suppliers, the company said.
In the company’s words: “This financial flexibility allows us to invest in people, infrastructure, and innovation at a time when others are constrained.” ATD is backed by institutional investors including Ares Management, TPG Capital, and Oaktree Capital Management, and emphasized that it maintains “a clean balance sheet and sufficient liquidity.”
The company said it is actively working to replace lost volume by onboarding new manufacturing partners and expanding product offerings. “We are collaborating with our supplier partners to fill product voids with compelling, high-quality offerings across every segment,” the company stated.
ATD also addressed the uncertainty experienced by customers in the wake of its vendor shakeup. “Our service model will remain unchanged and centers on operational precision,” the company said. “We are doubling down on inventory availability, service reliability, and order accuracy.”
To execute that promise, ATD is expanding its investment in logistics technology, data analytics, and its nationwide field sales and support teams. “Every decision we make begins with the customer in mind,” the company said, adding that it is deploying innovative programs to help tire dealers grow. “Our success is measured by theirs.”
The company also took steps to reassure its Tire Pros franchisees, which include over 600 independent retail locations across the U.S. “You are a vital part of our future,” the statement read. ATD pledged to provide Tire Pros with “a stronger platform, more integrated resources, and an enhanced customer value proposition.”
But ATD insists it is not stepping back. “This is not a return to business as usual,” the company stated. “This is a reset of who we are and how we lead.”
The company’s message—delivered to customers, partners, employees, and the press—closed with a pointed note: “What happens next will be defined not by recent events, but by the strength of our response and the power of our partnerships.”
Founded in 1935, ATD currently operates more than 140 distribution centers and serves approximately 80,000 customers across North America. It previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018 and emerged later that year with reduced debt and new ownership.
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