Bandag Dealer Network Expands in Australia and NZ

A significant expansion of the Bandag Manufacturing network in New Zealand will take place following the announced conversion of three Bridgestone New Zealand factories to Bandag. New Zealand customers are currently serviced by two independent Bandag franchises; C.O Tyres and Tyre Retreaders. These established Bandag franchises have helped the company grow in New Zealand and, reports Bridgestone, will continue to enhance Bandag’s marketplace reputation.

In the latter part of 2008, Bridgestone’s three retread factories in Auckland, Rotorua and Christchurch will be refitted with state-of-the-art Bandag retread equipment and the current retread process systems will be streamlined. The net result of this, says Bridgestone, will be an enhanced network providing quality retread tyres and services.

Bandag’s National Marketing and Sales manager, Greg Nielsen said “This is a positive move for the New Zealand retread market. The business model that is developing in New Zealand consists of a network of Bandag Franchised Dealers and Bridgestone for the benefit of the road transport industry.”

The Bandag network in Australia has also recently expanded, with the addition of a new franchise in Hobart, Tasmania. The final commissioning of the new Bandag factory is now complete and it is reported to be operating successfully. Bandag Manufacturing is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Australia, and has 35 franchised dealers across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. Bandag manufactures pre-cure tread rubber and associated materials under licence to Bandag Incorporated at its tread rubber plant in Brisbane, Australia.