Barbara and Grant Rushbrooke

International tyre manufacturer Michelin has purchased a 25% stake in Hamilton companies, Tyreline Distributors Limited and Beau Ideal Limited (which trades as Beaurepaires). The Rushbrooke family own both companies and will retain 75% ownership.

Grant and Barbara Rushbrooke founded Tyreline in 1989 as an agricultural tyre distributor. In the early days they operated out of their farm‘s hay barn in Te Awamutu, and made deliveries in their farm ute.

The company has grown over the years, winning the respect and partnership of the automotive industry‘s leading businesses, including international companies such as Michelin and Shell.

“Our relationship with Michelin goes back a long way,” says Grant. “We are thrilled to welcome them as a long-term partner and shareholder of our companies.”

Tyreline first partnered with Michelin in 1998 when it became the New Zealand distributor for Michelin earthmover and industrial tyres. In 2007 Tyreline became Michelin‘s distributor for passenger car, truck and bus products here. In 2011 the Tyreline retread factory became the first factory in Oceania to receive accreditation to produce Michelin branded retreads. 

“It‘s exciting to start 2018 off with this news,” says Grant. “It demonstrates Michelin‘s commitment to the New Zealand market and their confidence in both Tyreline and Beaurepaires as sustainable partners.”

Grant says Michelin are global leaders and innovators in their field, investing more than NZ$1 billion a year into research and development.

“We also embrace innovations in technology and sustainability in the rapidly evolving automotive market.”

Michelin Asia Pacific director Hock Sen Chan says Tyreline and Michelin have a lot in common, share the same values, and will work together to explore new business avenues in New Zealand.

“Our investment is to reinforce our commitment to Tyreline and to the New Zealand market. We have always been impressed with Tyreline‘s professionalism and passion when representing the Michelin brand. The integrity of Tyreline‘s business conduct is the foundation of our long-term business relationship.”

Grant says the success of the company was down to a strong, committed team with years of experience in the automotive industry, and the relationships they had developed with valued customers and partners.

Last June Tyreline also announced its partnership with Shell when it was named as the new New Zealand distributor for Shell Lubricants.

Grant says the partnership and investment from Michelin puts the Tyreline Group in a very strong position for future growth.