Michelin's BFGoodrich brand is extending into the off-road automotive accessories category, striking a deal that could see it selling U.S.-made injection molded items.
BFGoodrich will have Ooltewah, Tenn.-based Remington Industries Inc. make vehicle floor protection and interior accessories.
Remington last year invested in a plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., where it said it intended to reshore production of its injection molded auto accessories back to the United States. Remington continues to produce at plants in China and Taiwan, a company official said, in addition the U.S., and has yet to determine where it will make the BFG-branded products.
The website for the Michelin Edgeliner products states that they are made in Taiwan.
Remington Industries and BFGoodrich will debut the branded product line at the 2016 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Nov. 1- 4 in Las Vegas. The mats will be available in stores in 2017, the companies said, and a line of interior accessories is in design for production next year as well.
Tom Norwell, president of international sales and business development for Remington, said BFGoodrich carries “incredible brand equity” throughout the off-roading community and automotive industries.
“We are extremely excited about partnering with them,” Norwell said, “and building a product line that will strengthen their brand and meet their customers' unique needs.”
Remington last year moved production of its injection molded auto accessories back to the U.S. from Taiwan, opening a dedicated plant in Chattanooga, operated by RemsourceUSA, an affiliated company.
Remington promotes its floor liner products as being custom fit vehicle by vehicle using laser measurements.
Remington has offered the Michelin Edgeliner floor protection line since 2013. It's offered in the custom fit program for light trucks, a trimmable, semi-custom EdgeLiner Trace program and a selection of universal-fit mats.
In the floor mat business, rival MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd. heavily markets that its WeatherTech products are made in the United States.
