Cooper 4×4 Tyre To Be Made In UK
The Cooper Discoverer Sport HP – a 4×4 tyre designed specifically for roads in Europe – is to be manufactured at Cooper-Avon’s factory at Melksham in the UK.
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Expert “Was Aware Of Firestone Problems In 1999”
Product NewsA tyre expert hired by Bridgestone/Firestone has identified cracks in the belt skim – the rubber compound used to bond steel belts – as the cause of problems with some Firestone tyres. However, another tyre consultant, Rex Grogan, said that he told the company back in April 1999 that he had found the same problem. He blamed the use of inexperienced personnel working at the Decatur plant during a labour dispute.
Vredestein To Produce Bicycle Tyres In Malaysia
Product NewsVredestein BV has announced an imminent joint venture with Fung Keong Rubber Manufactory in Malaysia, for the production of bicycle tyres. Production will take place at a new local site. Ian Wilson, Managing Director, Vredestein UK informed TYRES & ACCESSORIES “The new venture with Fung Keong represents a step forward in the right direction and highlights our policy of continually exploiting lucrative market opportunities.”
Honda Cuts UK Components
Product NewsHonda is to reduce the numbers of components sourced in the UK. The ultimate aim is to have a 50/50 split between UK and mainland European-produced components (the current ratio is 75/25). Suppliers have also been asked to be “more competitive”. Currency fluctuations and the weak Euro were blamed for the move.
Dunlop Ceases Truck Tyre Manufacture At Birmingham
News, UK NewsDunlop Tyres UK announced today that it will cease truck tyre manufacturing at its Birmingham factory. 650 jobs from a total workforce of 1,700 will be affected. Car, light truck, motor sport and racing tyres will still be made at the plant. Dunlop says the move is part of a Europe-wide rationalisation process as a result of excess capacity in the European tyre industry and the current market situation.
Joint Venture Between Michelin And Blue Circle
Product NewsIn the UK, Michelin and cement manufacturer Blue Circle Industries have set up a joint venture company to prepare scrap tyres for burning in BCI’s cement kilns. Called Sapphire Energy Recovery, the company will prepare up to 200,000 tonnes of car and truck tyres a year for burning. BCI aims to make eventual energy savings of £6 million by replacing part of its coal and coke requirements with shredded tyres.
New Tyre Show For The UK
Product News, UK NewsOn 11th November, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced a new tyre exhibition for the UK. The show (as yet unnamed) will run alongside the Automotive Trade Show at Birmingham’s NEC between 29th April and 2nd May, 2001. The SMMT says that it makes good business sense for tyres to be a part of an aftermarket exhibition.
Avon Rubber Profits Fall
Product NewsAvon Rubber has blamed falling car production in the UK for a 40% drop in annual profits to £3.3 million. Direct sales of automotive and technical products to Ford and Rover fell £7.6 million to £27.1 million. Shares fell 12.5p to 455p.
Fire At UK Tyre Wholesaler
News, UK NewsOne of the UK’s leading tyre wholesalers, R. H. Claydon Ltd, suffered minimal fire damage at the end of last week at their Stockport, Cheshire warehouse. The fire started in an adjoining building belonging to another company and spread to the warehouse, but no stock was damaged and the sales division continues to operate normally.
