Training | TIA

Titan and industry experts host annual TIA tire service training

Technicians participate in the hands-on training session led by Matt White.

DES MOINES, Iowa <August, 2024> — Titan International Inc. once again partnered with the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to host a one-of-a-kind training session aimed at equipping tire service technicians with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance safety within the tire industry. Held from July 8-12 in Truro, Iowa, the event attracted 44 attendees from 13 different states, as well as two provinces in Canada.

A variety of expert partners were invited to share their knowledge on both wheels and tires in Ag and OTR applications, including AME International, Fuller Brothers and Stellar Industries. Participants have the opportunity to become TIA certified.

When reflecting on the importance of this week-long training session, Scott Sloan, Global Ag/LSW Product Manager at Titan, said, "Our goal is to encourage them to not make excuses for safety. As the industry’s leading tire and wheel manufacturer, we have the expertise and knowledge to host our partners and these students for a unique training opportunity.”

Hands-on training sessions

Industry experts set up six stations for essential hands-on training. These included:

Titan Ag Specialists – Weight and Ballast
During the hands-on training, Titan Ag Specialists led an in-depth session on weight and ballast for various types of equipment. Technicians learned how to accurately weigh machinery and determine the correct ballast setup. The session also covered essential topics such as load range, load index, and speed index—critical factors that influence tire performance and safety. Understanding these elements is key, as proper tire inflation pressure is determined by the machine’s weight.

TIA and Titan Air Pressures
Matt White, Director of Off Road Tire Service at TIA, and Scott Sloan, Global Ag/LSW Product Manager at Titan, led a training session on air pressures to emphasize safety for the technicians and help them build trust with their customers. When applications, weights, buckets, loads, etc. are all considered, the technician becomes the customer's most crucial trusted expert on recommendations for machine performance.

Sloan stated, “These guys have families they want to go home to and provide for. With this type of training, we and all of our partners are giving technicians tools to improve their operation and make their jobs safer.”

“The challenge tire dealers face with chaotic seasons, handling tires for all segments of the industry and customer demands can create difficulty in providing comprehensive onboarding. Most tire technicians get the basics, but not for both tires and wheels, and not for more specific situations and testing in safe demonstrations of real-world scenarios. This training provides that at no charge to the dealer.” said Matt White.

Stellar Industries: Service truck instruction
Hosted by Stellar’s sales team, Tom Formanek, Travis Glidden and Thomas Griffiths, the session showcased three tire service trucks designed for optimal safety and performance. Formanek focused on Stellar's commitment to improving the tire industry through their expertise in manufacturing, focus on safety and the importance of technician training.

Titan OTR specialists: Wheel components and off-the-road (OTR) wheels

AME International (AME): Tool training
Don Tinker, AME's International Director of Business Development, emphasized his company's commitment to safety and effective tool usage in tire removal and replacement. Tinker also stressed the importance of maintenance in prolonging tool life and minimizing service interruptions, citing that 60% of tool returns are attributed to maintenance neglect. AME's partnerships with companies like Titan and Stellar were also highlighted, as they enable the company to reach a wider audience.

Fuller Brothers: Importance of tools to enhance safety
Led by Craig Tinklenberg, Fuller Brothers’ Sales Safety Training expert, this session focused on the significance of tools in enhancing safety and efficiency in tire management.

Tinklenberg emphasized the interaction between Fuller Brothers products and the roles of service technicians, stating, “I want our trainees to walk away with a better understanding of their job and our products. This training will organically help them do their job even better and ensure a safer working environment.”

Ken Redinger, OTR Specialist, and Pete Kearney, Director of OTR Tire and Wheel Sales, hosted a workshop on wheel components and off-the-road (OTR) wheels. Redinger and Kearney emphasized the collaboration between Titan and TIA in providing vital safety information to participants.

Kim Boccardi, VP of Marketing at Titan, expressed her satisfaction with the continued collaboration, stating, “We choose these industry partners not only because they’re the best in the industry, but also due to their commitment to safety. This event is a natural collaboration to invest in the next generation of technicians and improve the overall safety in the tire industry.”

Titan’s dedication and investment in its continued collaboration with TIA showcases its commitment to safety and continuous improvement for tire technicians. By equipping these servicemen with the necessary skills and knowledge, Titan aims to enhance safety standards and ensure optimal performance in tire management for years to come.