Kenda Martin Wheel celebrated the grand opening of its new manufacturing facility in Kent, Ohio, on July 23, 2026, marking a major milestone in the company's continued growth and reaffirming its long-term commitment to Northeast Ohio. The event brought together public officials, business leaders, customers, suppliers, employees, and members of the Taiwanese American community to celebrate the completion of the new facility and Kenda's continued investment in the region.

Distinguished guests included Director General Lei Yeng-Feng of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Chicago; Ohio State Representatives Heidi Workman and Juanita Brent; River Kale, representing U.S. Congressman David Joyce; Kent Mayor Jack Amrhein; Portage Development Board President Bradford Ehrhart; and Ahmaad Crump, representing the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, a longtime Kenda partner. Their attendance reflected the strong partnerships Kenda has built with government, industry, and the local community throughout its decades of operations in Ohio.

General Manager Jason Schiavoni welcomed guests and described the new facility as a significant investment in the company's future, its employees, and the Kent community. He emphasized that the project strengthens Kenda Martin Wheel's manufacturing capabilities while creating opportunities for long-term growth. Schiavoni also thanked the leadership team, project partners, contractors, customers, suppliers, and employees whose dedication made the project possible.

The new facility encompasses 193,000 square feet, including 180,000 square feet dedicated to manufacturing, warehousing, and operations, along with 13,000 square feet of office space. Located on a 28-acre campus with room for future expansion, the plant consolidates production, quality control, warehousing, assembly, packaging, and shipping under one roof. Equipped with six packing stations, 21 dock doors, and 11 dedicated shipping docks, the facility improves efficiency, flexibility, safety, and customer service while supporting future business growth.

Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony in November 2023 and was completed in May 2025. The transition to full production required relocating equipment and inventory, implementing new operating systems, training employees, and operating from two facilities while maintaining uninterrupted customer service. Manufacturing operations accelerated in May 2026, with the full production workforce in place by June. Today, the Kent facility employs approximately 90 people.

Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Yang described the investment as a symbol of confidence in Kenda's customers, employees, and future. He noted that Martin Wheel has operated in Kent for more than 60 years and has been part of the Kenda family for 27 years. Founded in Taiwan 64 years ago as a bicycle tire manufacturer, Kenda has grown into a globally recognized tire company producing bicycle, motorcycle, industrial, and automotive tires. The company also holds approximately 85 percent of the global golf cart tire market. Yang highlighted Kenda's longstanding investment in Ohio through its North American headquarters in Columbus, manufacturing facilities in Tallmadge and Kent, and its Technical Center in Green. He also emphasized the company's continued support for local sports organizations, charitable initiatives, and community development.

Director General Lei Yeng-Feng praised Kenda's more than 40 years of investment in Ohio as an outstanding example of Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation. He highlighted Kenda's commitment to innovation, manufacturing excellence, and community engagement while noting the growing partnership between Taiwan and the United States in advanced industries, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, and supply chain resilience. Lei expressed confidence that the new Kent facility will further strengthen regional economic development, create quality jobs, and deepen industrial and commercial ties between Taiwan and the United States.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests toured the new manufacturing facility and later visited Kenda's Technical Center in Green, Ohio, to learn more about the company's research, engineering, and product development capabilities. The celebration underscored Kenda's continued investment in Ohio and reaffirmed the company's commitment to innovation, manufacturing excellence, and strong partnerships with the communities it serves.

Associate Advisors of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), Austin Chen of Columbus and Grace Lin of Cleveland, joined Case Western Reserve University Professor Shih-Hsing Leir and Kent State University scholar Chris Chien Tsung Hou, all originally from Taiwan, in attending the ceremony. They expressed great pride in witnessing the continued success of Taiwanese businesses in Ohio.

The opening of Kenda Tires' new facility marks another significant milestone for the company, creating 90 new jobs and further strengthening its investment in the region. Attendees were especially inspired by the remarkable journey of Mr. Jimmy Yang, who began his career as a salesperson and, through hard work and determination, became a highly successful business leader. Beyond his business achievements, Mr. Yang has consistently demonstrated his commitment to giving back by supporting the Asian community and sponsoring numerous major sporting teams and events. His success story serves as an inspiration and reflects the positive contributions of Taiwanese entrepreneurs to both the local economy and the broader community.

 

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