Vipal launching new products, re-purposed factory at Autopromotec 2013

Brazilian retread materials manufacturer, Vipal has announced plans to launch a couple of new tread products at this year’s Autopromotec. The 25th edition of the show coincides with the fact that Vipal itself turns 40 this year, making it something of a double celebration for the company.

One key release at the fair will be the VT160 precured tread, especially designed to optimize the traction of heavy vehicles in the snow. Manufactured to have greater durability under stringent conditions, this tread stands out for its grip potential on roads with snow and/or ice. Besides that, it is designed to be self cleaning.

Also new is the VT520, suitable for use in severe conditions on paved or unpaved highways. The tread is designed to be self-cleaning, which gives the tyre casing greater protection against damage. Ideal applications on short and middle-distance, it has dual direction of rotation and outstanding traction.

Factory repurposing plans

In addition to the product being launched at Autopromotec, Vipal is expected to detail its plans to dedicate on of its plants will be to the exclusive manufacture products for export. “This is an important decision that Vipal is taking regarding the foreign market. Thus, we will be able to provide all the required structure to serve with excellence over 90 countries around the world,” said Plinio de Luca, Vipal’s sales and marketing director.

Vipal supplies over 90 countries across all continents, with its main markets being Europe, Latin America and the United States. To meet the specific needs of each location, which range from technical requirements to cultural, geographical, and legislative differences, the company invests in developing particular products for better performance in different regions. “In addition, we also have our own authorized retreaders, permanent regional teams, and distribution centers in strategic locations to provide full support to international customers,” company representatives said in a statement issued before Autopromotec.

All in all the export factory strategy is expected to contribute to Vipal’s strong showing in key markets such as Spain, Bosnia, Croatia, the UK and Portugal, where the company reports that it already has a 15 – 25 per cent market shares, taking into account Vipal and Ruzi brands.

Nowadays, Vipal has Distribution Centers in Spain, Germany, Slovenia, Australia, the United States (one in Florida and one in Virginia), Mexico and Colombia, besides three plants in Brazil. Vipal also has branches in 8 locations: Spain, Germany, Slovenia, Australia, the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Vipal Overseas (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia).