and started manufacturing bicycle tubes and also devised new manufacturing techniques. In 1968 it expanded to manufacturing bicycle tires as well. Development, consolidation and sale to the JK Group In the 1970s the company started to grow dramatically within the closed economy then existing in Mexico, and also began to compete with other national tire companies like General Popo, Euzkadi, and the oldest of all, Hercules. At this time Compañía Hulera Tornel began to launch most of its modern products such as the tire tubes manufactured with point technology and dabbled in making tires for trucks and buses. The 1980s brought a crisis to the Mexican economy due to devaluations that caused the closing of Tornel's competitors: General Popo, Euzkadi and Hercules. When the company saw these closings, they paid attention and steered the business toward specializing in the retail vehicle and truck sales niche. This move allowed them to adapt and later thrive in the market. The closing of these competitor factories allowed Tornel free rein in the market but not for long since soon after competition began from foreign tire manufacturers which would turn out to be aggressive commercial rivals, such as Goodyear, Bridgestone, Michelin, Firestone, and BFGoodrich. However, despite the incursion of foreign companies, the market position and Tornel prestige was not diminished. After four generations of members of the Tornel family running the company, in 2008 Compañía Hulera Tornel was acquired by JK Tyre of India. Today In May 2008, Tornel was purchased by India-based JK Tyre for $68 million. JK Tyre is an Indian tyre manufacturer that is about the 23rd largest in the world. It intends to use Tornel as the base for its approach to the North American market taking advantage of the NAFTA, and is investing in molds to manufacture tires under both the Tornel and JK brands. Tornel has a total of three manufacturing facilities, all within the metropolitan area of Mexico City. Before the sale of the company, the Tornel family assisted to the ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada where Armando Tornel was granted a place in the Tire Industry Association Hall of Fame in October 2006. References External links Official site Tire manufacturers of Mexico Mexican brands Manufacturing companies established in 1933 Mexican companies established in 1933