Armstrong tires are made by ZAFCO, a UAE based tire manufacturer and distributor that revived the historic Armstrong brand in 2012.
Armstrong is known for its rhino mascot Tuffy and for offering a modest lineup of all season, all weather, and winter tires at an accessible price.
ZAFCO is a diversified global tire manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Dubai, and it officially relaunched Armstrong Tires in 2017 after acquiring the dormant brand from Pirelli.
Knowing who stands behind the Armstrong name helps drivers judge whether a tire with a century old history still delivers modern quality.
This guide covers who owns Armstrong today, where the tires are built, the brand’s original American history, and how Armstrong compares to Ironman.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Armstrong tires are made by ZAFCO, a UAE based tire manufacturer and distributor. Armstrong was originally an American brand founded in 1912, sold to Pirelli in 1988, then acquired and relaunched by ZAFCO in 2012. Production now takes place in Thailand and, as of late 2025, a new factory in Pakistan.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Armstrong Tires Today?
Armstrong Tires is owned and marketed by ZAFCO, and the brand’s full current lineup is listed on the Armstrong Tires official website.
ZAFCO had already been operating an international tire division out of Florida since the late 1990s before it acquired Armstrong.
The company officially relaunched Armstrong Tires in 2017 and opened a dedicated warehouse in Pennsylvania the following year.
Armstrong is now part of a broader ZAFCO family of tire brands sold across multiple international markets.
Where Are Armstrong Tires Made?
Armstrong tires are manufactured in a facility near Bangkok, Thailand, despite the brand’s global headquarters being based in Dubai.
In late 2025, ZAFCO announced it had begun producing tires at a newly built factory in Pakistan, primarily to serve that country’s domestic market.
Neither the Dubai headquarters nor the Pennsylvania distribution warehouse is involved in actual tire production.
This structure is common among modern private brand tire companies that separate corporate headquarters from manufacturing sites.
What Is the Original History of the Armstrong Tire Brand?
Armstrong Tires was founded in 1912 by George F. Armstrong in a small loft in New Jersey.
By the 1960s, Armstrong had grown into the fifth largest tire manufacturer in the world, a history detailed by AutoGuide’s profile of the original Armstrong Tire company.
Declining sales during the 1970s energy crisis led to the brand’s sale to Italian tire maker Pirelli in 1988.
By 2012 Pirelli had nearly phased Armstrong out entirely, which opened the door for ZAFCO to acquire and rebuild the name.
How Does Armstrong Compare to Ironman Tires?
Armstrong and Ironman both sit in the value segment of the replacement tire market, though they come from entirely different owners.
Armstrong is backed by ZAFCO’s Thailand manufacturing, while Ironman is backed by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company under American Tire Distributors.
Ironman generally has wider dealer distribution in the United States thanks to its longer presence in the American market.
Armstrong leans on its century old brand history and rhino mascot to differentiate itself from newer budget competitors.
Are Armstrong Tires a Good Choice for Drivers?
Armstrong tires generally receive positive feedback for ride comfort and traction relative to their price point.
The brand’s TUFF 360 warranty program adds peace of mind for drivers worried about road hazards.
Because manufacturing is centralized in Thailand, quality tends to be consistent across the lineup.
Budget conscious drivers who want a lesser known but historically significant name may find Armstrong a good fit, and it is worth comparing against similar value picks like Who Makes Milestar Tires and Who Makes Ironman Tires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Armstrong Tires
Is Armstrong an American tire brand?
Armstrong began as an American brand in 1912, but it is now owned and operated by ZAFCO, a company headquartered in Dubai.
Where are Armstrong tires manufactured?
Armstrong tires are made near Bangkok, Thailand, with a newer factory in Pakistan added in late 2025.
Who bought Armstrong Tires from Pirelli?
ZAFCO acquired the Armstrong brand from Pirelli around 2012 and officially relaunched it in 2017.
Are Armstrong tires good quality?
Armstrong tires are generally seen as a solid value option, backed by centralized manufacturing and a dedicated warranty program.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.