FRANKLIN, Tenn.—Specialty tire and wheel maker Carlstar Group L.L.C. has endorsed an executive order signed by President Biden recently that strengthens the Buy American provisions, with a goal of creating more U.S. manufacturing jobs.
The company said it is "very encouraged" by the president's directive for the federal government to increase spending on American-made goods and services.
Jacob Thomas
"Regardless of what part of the political spectrum you support, buying American-made products is just good for U.S. manufacturing and the businesses, such as Carlstar, which are committed to it," Carlstar CEO Jacob Thomas said.
Carlstar operates tire manufacturing plants in Clinton and Jackson, Tenn., and a wheel manufacturing plant in Aiken, S.C., manufacturing products for the agriculture, construction and powersports (ATV/UTV) industries.
Most of Carlstar's products carry the Carlisle flagship brand, but it also goes to market with the ITP and Marastar brands, covering ATV/UTV tires and wheels and small specialty tires, respectively.
Carlstar is considered the 48th largest tire company in the world, according to Rubber & Plastics News' 2020 Global Tire Report rankings, with estimated tire-related sales of $495 million in 2019.
"We invest millions of dollars each year into our U.S. manufacturing plants to launch new products, and to make them more productive," Thomas said. "These investments also enable us to be good corporate citizens in the communities where our employees work and live.
"As the only domestic specialty tire manufacture in America, we are strongly encouraged by this focus at the federal level for American-made product and for recognizing the impact that manufacturing has on our economy. Our U.S. facilities, supported by a vast national dealer network, stand ready to answer the call."
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