Industry Suppliers Align to Transform Tire Inflation Category

EAGAN, Minn. — Certus Manufacturing Inc. has formed strategic partnerships with Lil' Drug Store Products (LDSP) and National Vending that took effect Sept. 30. The partnerships will allow Certus to continue delivering greater transparency, accountability and service, the company said.

"We entered the market in 2015 with a simple goal of changing the way the industry views tire inflation. Adding industry leaders like Lil' Drug Store and National Vending to this vision allows Certus to bring unparalleled transparency and service, areas in which the tire inflation industry has been lacking," said Certus President Chris Frost.

Certus offers technology that standardizes each machine using remote monitoring technology and payment features. On Sept. 30, LDSP acquired a minority interest in the company.

"Lil' Drug realized immediately that the Certus vision of completely changing how the tire inflation industry operates aligned very well with our own goals of bringing additional value to our convenience store clientele," said Jeff Pitz, chief financial officer, Lil' Drug Store. "We are excited about the opportunity to work together to change the industry."

The LDSP sales team will leverage its brand and senior level relationships to identify c-store operators who are looking to improve the customer experience, and create a new level of transparency and accountability as it relates to the tire inflation category. Pitz will now be a member of the Certus board of directors.

Certus has also partnered with National Vending in order to improve upon its 48-hour service time. The partnership will allow it to continue an aggressive growth strategy through National Vending's network of technicians in every state.

National Vending manages coin-operated/cashless equipment programs for companies and offers a single point of contact for Certus's c-store clients while servicing locations across the United States, allowing client organizations and their staff members to focus on core business activities.

"We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with Certus as it will provide Certus's customers with an improved customer experience by providing timely service for their tire inflation equipment. With our national network of highly qualified technicians, National Vending is uniquely suited to partnering with Certus in raising the bar in the tire inflation industry," said Lori Jones, general manager, National Vending. "Niche market segments, such as the tire inflation industry, are generating a greater demand and are quickly becoming a large part of National Vending's business."