![Conti’s Bandvulc purchase results in UK market remoulding](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DAW-6304.jpg)
Conti’s Bandvulc purchase results in UK market remoulding
On the 4 July, as the USA began to celebrate its independence day, Continental AG’s UK subsidiary (Continental Tyre Group) announced it had bought Bandvulc (B.V. Environmental Ltd.), one of only two substantially sized independent retreaders left in the UK. Legally, the takeover establishes Bandvulc as a wholly owned subsidiary of Continental UK Group Holdings Limited. T&A understands Bandvulc’s existing management team are to continue to lead the business.
Continue Reading![Kraiburg extends its portfolio in time for winter](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/kraiburg-treads.jpg)
Kraiburg extends its portfolio in time for winter
European fleets are gearing up for the changeover to winter tyres – and Kraiburg Austria is catering to this by offering its partners a new city bus design, the K702 plus. The drive axle pattern’s design, says Kraiburg, lends itself to outstanding traction and braking characteristics. These qualities are particularly noticeable in extreme climiatic conditions, such as on snow-covered or wet road surfaces. The use of the premium K_plus compound delivers high mileage, even levels of wear and lower operating temperatures. The use of an irregular tread design also ensures that noise development is reduced.
Continue Reading![Vacu-Lug’s Humphries achieves national high in company’s City & Guilds success](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/cityguilds-vacu.jpg)
Vacu-Lug’s Humphries achieves national high in company’s City & Guilds success
Vacu-Lug’s commitment to the retreading sector and the personal development of its team has been illustrated by successes in City & Guilds examination successes. The retread specialist has been entering candidates for the City & Guilds examinations for Part 1 Retread Workshop Practice for many years, and the latest successful entrants for the qualification included ten of its team members. Jason Humphries not only achieved a Distinction pass, but was awarded the highest mark nationwide. Two Credit passes awarded to Dave Alsop and Elaine Dable.
Continue Reading![Vipal Rubber signs retread manufacturing joint venture with Mezcla Caucho](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/vipal-joint-venture-e1469720986443.jpg)
Vipal Rubber signs retread manufacturing joint venture with Mezcla Caucho
Vipal brand hot retreading products will be manufactured in Spain thanks to a new joint venture started by the South American market leader and Mezclas Caucho. Not only is this a first in Europe; the JV’s production line will be the first anywhere in the world for Vipal outside its domestic Brazilian market. The agreement was officially signed during Reifen 2016, the world’s largest tyre trade show, which was held in May in Essen, Germany. It adds to Vipals increased activities in Europe, marked by sustained expansion over recent years.
Continue Reading![Bandvulc adds RVS fleet](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/RVS.jpg)
Bandvulc adds RVS fleet
Bandvulc has added Refuse Vehicle Solutions (RVS) to its supply portfolio. RVS handpick all their quality used refuse vehicles and put each one through a rigorous 72-point check to correct all defects, a rigorous approach the two companies say they have in common.
Continue ReadingTRA: Environment Agency plans “will decimate tyre recycling business”
Plans by the Environment Agency (EA) to introduce new norms for the storage and processing of end of life tyres (ELTs) will force many operators out of business by the end of this year, according to the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA). And what’s more this outcome is likely to drive tyre recycling underground too.
Continue Reading![TRA Recycling Day 2016 pursues professional collective approach](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/cjamgroup_34819635696.jpg)
TRA Recycling Day 2016 pursues professional collective approach
Spokespeople from tyre industry, government agencies, external industry bodies gather to demonstrate broad-base discussions on ‘Meeting the Compliance Agenda’, including fire prevention and part-worn tyres The new president of the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA), John Bramwell opened proceedings at May’s Ardencote Manor hosted Recycling Day 2016 by setting out the “need for strength” within the […]
Continue Reading![Continental buys Bandvulc](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/IMG_0375ED2-2.jpeg)
Continental buys Bandvulc
Continental Tyre Group has bought Bandvulc (B.V. Environmental Ltd.), one of only two substantially sized independent retreaders in the UK. Not only does the deal change the face of UK tyre retreading, it also has a significant impact on commercial vehicle tyre market shares owing to the fact that Continental can now count Bandvulcs strong fleet management, service provider and independent truck tyre retreader amongst its own. The takeover will establish Bandvulc as a wholly owned subsidiary of Continental UK Group Holdings Limited. T&A understands Bandvulc’s existing management team are to continue to lead the business.
Continue Reading![‘Strong demand’ for new Vacu-Lug Logistik, Duramold retreads following CV Show](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/vacu-lug-orbit-e1467292890949.jpg)
‘Strong demand’ for new Vacu-Lug Logistik, Duramold retreads following CV Show
Vacu-Lug has reported a strong response to the launch of its two new Logistik tyres. The new 315/80R22.5 Logistik LD01 drive and 385/65R22.5 Logistik Supersingle LT01 trailer tyres were shown alongside a selection of Duramold tyres, including the new 315/70R22.5 T100 drive at the recent CV Show at Birmingham’s NEC.
Continue Reading![Bucking the trend: how UK retreaders like Bandvulc are navigating market storms](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_0375ED2-2.jpeg)
Bucking the trend: how UK retreaders like Bandvulc are navigating market storms
In recent months we have heard much about the decline of retread demand and production at the same time that Chinese truck tyre prices have plumbed to new depths. Of course this paints a very negative picture for the retreading business in the UK – where low-costs imports have historically been more popular than the average European state – and also across the European tyre markets. The premium new tyre makers have suggested they will weather the storm by pointing out their uniquely strong position with regard to large fleet customers. Because they also produce their own retreads, these firms pointed out that their businesses will remain relatively sheltered by the low quality, oversupply problems facing other independent retreaders. However, such a reading of recent history relies on two premises: 1) that the market remains in undeniable decline and 2) that premium manufacturers with their own retreading options are best positioned to get over this particular bump in the road.
Continue Reading![Vacu-Lug manufacturing investment, contracts a way forward in contracted UK market](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/vacu-lug-logistik-e1467042108622.jpg)
Vacu-Lug manufacturing investment, contracts a way forward in contracted UK market
Vacu-Lug’s stand at the recent Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham provided a summary of the tripartite business of one of the UK’s largest retreaders. Featuring its Vacu-Lug Management System (VMS) for online fleet application; its UK exclusive distribution of ZC Rubber’s (or Hangzhou Zhongce’s) Westlake truck tyre product range. in partnership with global Westlake partner Zenises; and Vacu-Lug’s own retread range – including the latest “premium” Logistik drive LD01 and the Logistik trailer LT01 retreads, and Duramold tyres designed for a cross-section of heavy and light truck operations – the company showed its relatively recent evolution into more rounded service provision. In terms of its retreading activities, estimated by the company to account for just under a fifth of the UK market, the last year saw upgrades to the Lincolnshire business’ manufacturing, with a second 12-segment, high pressure (300psi) press installed, with which its Logistik brand products are produced, alongside further phases of its new conveyor system and other general upgrades designed to improve product flow, utilisation, productivity, efficiency, and housekeeping. Tyres & Accessories spoke with Vacu-Lug fleet sales director, Dave Alsop during the show, who explained how the company has reacted to the contraction of UK retreading and various other challenges in the market.
Continue ReadingBipaver: European retreaders suffering due to a “lack of legislation”
According to Bipaver, the number of truck tyres retreaded in Europe has fallen by a third in the last five years, and it fears this trend will continue unless the European Commission moves quickly to implement legislation that protects against the dumping of low-priced new tyres.
Continue ReadingHexpol buys Berwin Group for £25 million
On Friday 3 June Swedish firm Hexpol bought 100 per cent of the Berwin Group Ltd shareholders Glyn Williams and his family for around £25 million. Berwin has more than 60 years’ experience of rubber compounding and is a leading Rubber Compounder in the UK market.
Continue Reading![Bridgestone introduces ‘Bandag Contract of Trust’](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BS-Truck-Point-07.jpg)
Bridgestone introduces ‘Bandag Contract of Trust’
With the intention of increasing commercial fleets’ trust in retreaded tyres, Bridgestone has introduced ‘The Bandag Contract of Trust’. The guarantee aims to reassure fleets that Bandag retreads are a safe and reliable alternative to a new set of tyres, as well as a solution for reducing fleets’ tyre related costs per kilometre, Bridgestone states. The proposition applies also to retreads made from Bridgestone and Firestone tyre casings. Their retreadability by Bandag is also guaranteed.
Continue ReadingA solution the market is waiting for – VMI presents automated Retrax tyre builder
Retreading is a concept that not only deserves to succeed, but should also be praised for reducing raw material consumption without compromising on the end product’s performance. Yet European retreaders can vouch that nobody is pinning medals to their chests; their ‘reward’ for giving valuable truck tyre casings a second or third life has instead been declining sales at the hands of low-cost and possibly subsidised imported new tyres, products that more often than not are used until the original tread is worn and then simply discarded. But has Europe’s retreading sector arrived at a place where it is ready to stage a fightback? Machinery manufacturer VMI believes it has.
Continue Reading