The exclusive three-year contract runs until September 2012, giving the Newcastle tyre manufacturer the chance to export to China.

Industrea said the reusable rubber inserts had internal honeycomb tubes of air, eliminating the risk of flat tyres, increasing mileage and reducing the risk of accidents.

Marathon’s RL run flat tyre technology is also used in Industrea’s new 80-tonne chock carrier and 130t shearer carrier.

Industrea managing director and chief executive officer Robin Levison expects strong demand from major Chinese underground coal producers.

“We are delighted to have been appointed the exclusive agent in China for this innovative Australian-made product, which is already being used by several Industrea clients benefiting from our specialist flame and explosion-proof underground mining vehicles,” Levison said.

“After extensive research, we chose the Marathon RL run flat inserts for use in our most technically advanced 80-tonne roof support carriers and 130-tonne Shearer Carriers.

“That process led us to further discussions with Marathon Tyres to sell its innovative products into China.”

Marathon Tyres general manager Greg Nesbitt said Industrea was selected because of its strong client relationships, product support and reputation in China.

“Marathon Tyres has seen strong sales growth for its RL run flat inserts in the mining industry in Australia, North America, Africa and India, and sees the Asian market as having enormous potential due to the rapid production growth in countries such as China,” Nesbitt said.

“Industrea is the perfect representative for Marathon Tyres’ product, having already been appointed distributor for global mining suppliers Sandvik Voist Alpine and Tagor, and due to the strength of our fast-growing Chinese business across the larger to mid-range producers.”

Levison said the company’s RL offered flat-proof protection along with a pneumatic ride characteristic, providing superior traction, stability and a longer tyre life.

Apart from avoiding the risk of changing flat tyres underground, Levison said they also had improved stability on gradients and did not have the risk of explosion that comes with pneumatic tyres.

Shares in Industrea are up half a cent to 44c this morning.