The UK distributor of Goodyear Engineered Products’ belting programme has welcomed its split from the parent tyre firm.

Goodyear Tyres completed the sale of its belts, hose and airsprings manufacturing division, Goodyear Engineered Products, to the Veyance group last month.

The new business has agreed a long-term licence for continued use of the Goodyear name and has pledged to expand the engineered products business globally.

Malcolm Rosher, sales and marketing director for FAI Automotive, based in Leighton Buzzard, said: “Operating independently is a positive move for the engineered products business.

Autonomous trading will give the company the chance to further build on its success of recent years, such as the recent OE wins of business from Ford and Daimler Chrysler.

“As distribution partner in the UK, FAI welcomes the move and will support them going forward.”