Melksham-based Avon Tyres has signed a sponsorship deal with Sky Bet Championship team Derby County for the upcoming 2016/17 season.
Under the agreement, the firm’s logo will appear on the back of the side’s first-team shirts and shorts for the entire campaign, which kicks off this Saturday.
Avon, which makes high-performance car and motorcycle tyres at its Melksham factory, initially teamed up with the club in February when it became the club’s official tyre partner.
Due to the success of that partnership, the firm has decided to increase its involvement for the new season.
The launch of the new sponsorship took place last week at Derby County’s training centre with Derby’s new manager Nigel Pearson and chief operating officer John Vicars, along with players Chris Martin and Johnny Russell.
Club president and chief executive Sam Rush said: “From the moment we began talking to Avon Tyres about becoming a commercial partner and having a relationship with the club last year, we’ve been extremely impressed with their business and the direction that they are heading in.
“They have a big presence in the tyre-making industry and we’re thrilled that they see being associated with Derby County is a key part of their business-growth moving forward.”
Jeff Schumaker, vice president of European operations and managing director of Avon’s parent group Cooper Tire Europe, added: “We have seen substantial growth in brand awareness this year through effective football partnerships.
“Brand visibility on Derby’s official kit gives us the opportunity to increase consumer awareness further, while also increasing our support of the club for a second season.”
Avon is also an official partner of League One club Bristol Rovers.
Avon Tyres has been making high performance tyres for over 100 years. It was part of Melksham-based Avon Rubber until 1997.
Pictured, from left: Derby County players Johnny Russell, Chris Martin with manager Nigel Pearson, Avon Tyre’s Jeff Schumaker, and Derby chief operating officer John Vicars
