Del-Nat Corp. announced that John Plumstead, president of Macon-based Tire Distributors of Georgia, Inc., has become a stockholder. Tire Distributors of Georgia supplies tires to hundreds of tire dealers throughout Georgia.
The company is family owned and operated. Donna Plumstead, his wife, serves as chief financial officer and Sean Plumstead, their son, is vice president and general manager.
Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Del-Nat Tire has a network of 80 tire dealers and distributors who are stockholders in the company, which operates as a cooperative.
Del-Nat, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this month and has annual sales of more than $200 million, offers each stockholder protected territories under one or more of the Del-Nat brand names: Delta and National passenger, light-truck and SUV tires; Chaparral light truck lines; as well as AKURET commercial tires for farm, OTR, truck and trailer applications.
Plumstead, who was in the tire business for 25 years before establishing his own company in 2003, said Del-Nat's "brand exclusivity" was a major factor in his decision to become a stockholder.
"Del-Nat provides a protected territory which certainly is advantageous to what our company does," said Plumstead. "We also get factory programs on a wide variety of tires which is beneficial to our customers.
"Of course, it's a real positive to be part of a group owned by stockholders that care about each other and have their best interests at heart. We can offer our customers the best product at the best price."
He says Del-Nat's location in one of the nation's top distribution centers adds to its value.
"We can have 350 tires delivered from Memphis to our customer's door in a matter of days," said Plumstead.
Founded in 1989, the number of Del-Nat stockholders as well as its product offerings has grown steadily during its 25 years.
"Our solid financial situation coupled with the steady growth of our stockholder base makes Del-Nat an attractive organization for many independents in our industry," says Lyle Symonds, Del-Nat's Vice President of Marketing. "A growing number of dealers are considering joining Del-Nat in order to strengthen their independence. Del-Nat is committed to keeping the independent tire dealer independent."
