Triangle Tyre Co., Ltd., commonly known as Triangle Group or Triangle Tires, is a leading Chinese tire manufacturer headquartered in Weihai, Shandong Province. Founded in 1976 as the Weihai Tire Plant, the company has grown into one of the world's top tire producers, specializing in a wide range of products including passenger car tires, commercial vehicle tires, off-the-road (OTR) tires, and specialty tires for construction and aviation. As of 2015, Triangle ranked as the 14th largest tire maker globally, with a strong emphasis on technological innovation, sustainability, and international expansion. The company operates under brands like Triangle and Diamondback, serving over 180 countries and partnering with major firms such as Caterpillar, Volvo, and Goodyear. With more than 360 patents and research centers in China, the U.S., and Germany, Triangle continues to drive advancements in the tire industry.
Early Years: Foundations and Initial Challenges (1976–1992)
Triangle Tyre's origins date back to April 8, 1976, when construction began on the Weihai Tire Factory, established by the local government in Shandong Province amid China's push for industrial development. In its nascent years, lacking a robust domestic automotive industry, the company focused on producing small tires for niche applications, such as those used on Indonesian street-sweepers' rubbish carts. This modest start reflected the broader economic constraints of the era, but it laid the groundwork for future growth.
Throughout the 1980s, the company, then known as Shandong Tire Factory (renamed in 1987), expanded its production capabilities but struggled with profitability and efficiency. Key milestones included the introduction of basic tire manufacturing lines and gradual increases in output. However, it wasn't until the early 1990s that significant reforms took hold. In 1993, new management implemented dramatic changes, investing in modern production facilities and enforcing strict workforce discipline to transform Triangle into a competitive enterprise.
Growth and Restructuring (1993–2010)
The 1990s marked a turning point for Triangle, with ongoing restructuring efforts aimed at meeting international standards. By the late 1990s, the company had adopted advanced manufacturing technologies and focused on quality certifications, including CCC, ECE, DOT, INMETRO, and others, enabling exports to global markets.
In 2001, the company officially restructured as Triangle Tyre Co., Ltd., emphasizing research and development (R&D) in tire technology. This period saw investments in sophisticated production lines and a push toward a public offering, aligning accounting practices with developed world standards. By 2008, Triangle had established itself as a leader in China's tire industry, with a focus on low-carbon and green development initiatives.
The 2000s also brought product diversification. Triangle expanded into high-performance commercial tires, bias and radial OTR tires, and giant mining tires. Factories in Weihai specialized by product: Huasheng for passenger and giant radial tires, Huamao for commercial vehicles, Huayang for high-performance passenger and SUV tires, Huada for retreading, and Huaxin for bias engineering tires. By 2010, the company had secured partnerships with global giants like Caterpillar and Volvo, boosting its export-oriented OTR segment, where it ranked 4th worldwide with 90% of production exported.
International Expansion and Technological Advancements (2011–2023)
The 2010s ushered in Triangle's global ambitions. In 2011, it partnered with the University of Akron for polymer research and opened an R&D office in Akron, Ohio, planning for 30 employees. This was followed in 2012 by a collaboration with the Harbin Institute of Technology to develop tires for large aircraft, positioning Triangle as a competitor in aviation tires, including radial tires for A320 and C919 aircraft.
In 2015, Triangle entered the U.S. market, establishing Triangle Tire USA in Franklin, Tennessee. The following year, it went public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, raising capital for further growth. However, 2016 also saw a legal setback when Bridgestone won a patent infringement lawsuit against Triangle in China regarding studless winter tire tread patterns.
Expansion continued with distribution agreements, such as with Zenises for truck and bus tires in 2016. In 2017, Triangle announced a major U.S. investment: a manufacturing facility in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, aiming for six million tires annually—the largest ever manufacturing investment in the state at the time. Unfortunately, in May 2022, the project was canceled due to COVID-19 impacts and shifting investment environments.
By the early 2020s, Triangle had built a global distribution network with branches in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Russia, and India. In December 2021, it launched a mobile app for European markets, showcasing products across categories. The company amassed over 360 patents, with R&D centers in Weihai, Akron, and Germany, underscoring its commitment to innovation.
Recent Developments (2024–2025)
Entering the mid-2020s, Triangle Tyre maintained momentum through trade shows and product launches. In 2024, the company participated in Automechanika Dubai, showcasing its advancements. It achieved remarkable performance in the U.S. market, with new generation products emphasizing quality and innovation.
In 2025, Triangle was listed on the China Brand Value List and prepared for major exhibitions like Autopromotec and Bauma in Munich. At Bauma 2025, it unveiled an improved OTR product portfolio and a new Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), reinforcing its leadership in the segment. Financially, Q1 2025 reported revenue of 2.244 billion yuan, with ongoing earnings growth despite market challenges. The company also expanded its portfolio to include all-season, SUV, and winter tires, while adhering to core values of integrity, innovation, diligence, and caring.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in 1976 producing basic tires to its current status as a global innovator with a presence in over 180 countries, Triangle Tyre's history is a testament to resilience, technological prowess, and strategic adaptation. Despite setbacks like the canceled U.S. factory and legal challenges, the company has consistently prioritized R&D, sustainability, and partnerships. As of August 2025, with ongoing expansions and a focus on green development, Triangle Tyre is well-positioned to continue its ascent in the competitive tire industry, delivering value to consumers worldwide.