Modern Tyres Expansion Plans… the Perfect Fit

Northern Ireland’s largest independent tyre retailer, Modern Tyres, has announced the expansion of its operations following an investment of £1million with the support of First Trust Bank.

The investment has seen the family owned company expand its operations to 40 sites, with the purchase of 11 outlets from the Republic of Ireland based Hanover Group which was in administration, a move which has resulted in saving 30 jobs. This latest acquisition follows the purchase of three ATS outlets on Boucher Rd, Belfast, Castlereagh Rd, Belfast, and Moira Rd, Lisburn at the end of last year.

Started by Jimmy Byrne in Enniskillen in 1965 the company is still family owned and run today with assistance of four sons and a daughter, all performing different roles in the business.

Today, Modern Tyres employs 200 staff and is still focused on further growth and development. As well as the extensive network of retail centres in Northern Ireland, it also owns D26 Tires a tyre wholesale company, now making it the largest independent tyre retail / wholesale company in Ireland. The company prides itself on offering an unrivalled level of customer service through the retail, fleet and wholesale divisions, offering the widest selection of tyres from the leading manufactures as well as batteries and exhausts.

Speaking about the latest investment, Jimmy Byrne said: “We have always been an ambitious organisation and have strengthened our offering over the years, seeking the right opportunities to expand and widen our reach. Having grown successfully across Northern Ireland with Modern Tyres, we had set our sights on establishing a foothold in the Republic of Ireland through our sister company D26 Tires and the Hanover acquisition was the perfect fit enabling us to have a retail presence in 11 key locations. Throughout this time, we have enjoyed a strong working relationship with First Trust Bank and are delighted that they have been able to support us at various stages along the road.”

Larry Murphy, Manager, First Trust Bank said:

“First Trust Bank has worked with Modern Tyre Service for over 50 years and we have always been impressed by the company’s professional approach and clear business acumen. Throughout that time the Byrne Family has consistently demonstrated strong strategic vision matched by a focus on superior customer service and ongoing modernisation and investment. We believe this latest investment represents the next significant chapter in the company’s history and we are delighted to be able to support them once again.”

Pictured, Jimmy, Conor and Rory Byrne with Larry Murphy of First Trust Bank.

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