Michelin has increased the number of tyre specialists in Ireland whose outlets have been granted Michelin Certified Centre status.

Latest to have the standard of his service recognised by the world leading tyre manufacturer is Co. Cork-based specialist Jim O'Hanlon whose O¹Hanlon Tyres business comprises two retail outlets, one at the company¹s head office in Millstreet and the other at Tralee Road, Castleisland, Co. Kerry.

Together, both O¹Hanlon Tyres outlets now join a nationwide network of fifteen tyre retailers ­ twelve 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 (Meyler¹s Tyres, Wexford), Cormac Nolan (Nolan Tyres, Ballon, Co. Carlow) and Alistair Simpson (Tyre Safety Centre, Cookstown).

The achievements of Jim O'Hanlon and those of the other Michelin Certified Centre tyre retailers 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.

Becoming a Michelin Certified Centre recognises the achievement of each of the twelve specialists in providing the very best levels of service, professionalism and expertise approved by Michelin¹s Europe-wide accreditation scheme. To qualify for certification, each retail outlet has to successfully pass a stringent independent audit of its operations. The audit assesses the quality of the workshop and buildings, levels of customer service and personnel requirements including training and skill levels.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Pointer described the programme as one designed to make dealers feel part of a successful, international organisation whilst maintaining their own individual identity.' He went on to say that Ireland¹s Michelin Certified Centre dealers are ''as good as any in Europe in their approach to their customers.¹

In recognising the contribution being made by each Michelin Certified Centre in delivering the standard of service that motorists now expect, Michelin¹s Retail Programme Development Manager, Mark Coleman confirmed the company¹s intention to grow the number of Michelin Certified Centre dealers, north and south, by 2015.

"Being the only tyre producer to operate a tyre manufacturing facility in Ireland with our bus and truck tyre production plant in Ballymena, Michelin¹s commitment to Ireland is real and long-standing. The expansion of our Michelin Certified Centre network is a further demonstration of the importance which Michelin attaches to Ireland and the Irish market" Mr. Coleman said.

Other Michelin personnel present at the event were Programme Development Manager, Tracy Burnett and their Account Managers in Ireland.