Michelin North America and its subsidiary, TCI Tire Centers, recently unveiled a new disaster response service unit for use in areas hit by natural disasters.
High Tech Performance Trailers in Painesville, Ohio, created a 53-foot trailer that has been deemed a “Tire Center on wheels.” The trailer has six air stations for mounting, dismounting, repairing and balancing tires. Its office area has satellite communications equipment and space for up to six people to sleep.
When deployed, the Michelin Disaster Response Unit will serve as command central for a specially trained field service crew to perform onsite tire service from its self-contained inventory. The unit will also dispatch tire service vehicles when needed.
Michelin and TCI decided to develop the disaster response unit after Hurricane Katrina. The unit will be based at the TCI Tire Center in Atlanta, and will be deployed as needed to assist in disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts in the United States.
