Reorganisation at Bandag Brussels

Marketing director Danny van Essche and HR director Ron Bloemperk officially left Bandag by mutual agreement on 15 September, Bandag’s vice president Mike Tirona has confirmed to Tyres & Accessories. Tirona said the company was interested in reinforcing its “back to basics” business model. Deploying this model is, from Bandag’s point-of-view, the right thing to do in today’s ever changing and hectic business environment.

Bloemperk’s responsibilities have been transferred to Hubert Brouns (director finance and administration) while Essche’s job will be taken over by Jean-Claude de Thibault, now sales and marketing manager Bandag EMEA. Tirona himself is still vice president and general manager Bandag EMEA.

Rumours, Bandag would close its Belgium factory are “unfounded and reckless coming from sources who wish to create negative news,” said Tirona. As far as the Lanklaar plant is concerned, this factory is reported to be running according to its 2006 business plan and is needed in the future to fulfil the demand coming from Bandag partners in Europe.