Andy gets Porsche Driving Experience

Car Bay Supervisor Andy, 29, who works at A One Tyres, Banbridge Road, Dromore, was one of just nine technicians to complete the year-long course designed to maximise the career potential of promising fitters.

During the year, Andy spent time in specialist workshops at Michelin’s world-class training centre in Stoke-on-Trent, learning about the technology that goes into making the famous tyres, known for their grip and long life, and learning how to deliver excellent customer service both on the phone and in person.

He also visited the Michelin factory in Dundee, which produces seven million car tyres each year, before being invited to test Michelin tyres for himself on the Silverstone track.

Andy said: “The course has been really useful for me and our business, and I am enjoying passing on what I have learned to our customers.

“Although I have worked in the industry for eight years, before visiting the Michelin factory I had no idea how technical the process of making tyres is, or that more than 200 materials are used in each one. Now I am sharing that with our customers, and they are just as surprised! But it means that they can make a much more informed decision than before about which tyres they choose.”

He added: “Everyone knows Michelin is one of the best brands in the world and it’s been a privilege to be taught by the experts.”

Andy was eligible for the Michelin Tyre Academy as A One Tyres is among a select group of tyre retailers in the UK to have been recognised as a Michelin Certified Centre – a mark of excellence awarded only to those businesses that prove they provide exceptional levels of customer service and workmanship by passing a comprehensive audit.

Michelin Tyre Academy course leader, Tom Dixon, said: “Our commitment to our network of dealers is to help ensure that they are the best in the business.

“Part of that is about educating fitters which is why we started the Academy. Andy has done really well to complete the course, we know his customers in County Down are already benefiting from his improved knowledge. We wish him every success in his future career.”

Photo caption: Andy Cummins from A One Tyres, Dromore, was rewarded with a Porsche Driving Experience after becoming one of just nine tyre fitters to graduate from the Michelin Tyre Academy.