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NEWS
New Chairman for Tyre Industry Federation
Bandag Opens Vietnam Plant
Bridgestone Tire Sales Vietnam LLC recently held the opening ceremony of the Bridgestone Bandag Retread Plant in Binh Duong Province. This is the first Bandag plant in Vietnam and aims to bring the latest retread technology to the Vietnamese market. The plant has seen a total investment of around US$1.44 million,
The Bandag plant will carry out a modern retreading process, which the company says will allow them to “take the lead in the Vietnamese market with our globally recognised operating practices and
market leading equipment”. According to Bridgestone Bandag test results, in some fleet operations in Ho Chi Minh City, the use of Bandag retreads has helped save about 35 per cent of the cost compared to new tyres, helping to reduce the cost burden for business owners.
The Tyre Industry Federation (TIF) has elected the managing director of the Bandvulc Group, as its new Chairman.
Patrick O’Connell has been managing director of Bandvulc Group, which incorporates Bandvulc Tyres Ltd, Bandvulc Tyre Contracts and Devon Rubber, since 2003. It is a family business which was founded in 1970.
“The Tyre Industry Federation performs a crucial function by speaking with one voice on behalf of its members, so it’s a great responsibility to take over as Chairman”, he commented. “However, it’s a role that I’m looking forward to as it will fully utilise my extensive knowledge of the tyre industry.”
Patrick, who replaces David Seward
as the previous TIF chairman, is also a member of the Plymouth Manufacturing Group, the Tyre Recovery Association, National Tyre Distributors Association and chairman of the Retread Manufacturers’ Association.
The Tyre Industry Federation provides a common platform for the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, the Imported Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, the National Tyre Distributors Association, the Retread Manufacturers Association and the Tyre Recover y Association.
Among its aims are to address areas of common concern and to raise government awareness of the impact of the tyre industry on issues including road safety, climate change and sustainability.
Hexagon Leasing Sides with Bandvulc
Vacu-Lug Appointed Sole UK Distributor For West Lake Tyres
Hexagon Leasing, the Derbyshire based rental and contract vehicle management company, has opted to use Bandvulc and Bandvulc Tyre Contracts (BTC) for the management of its tyres across the UK.
Utilising BTC’s specialist 24/7 Tyre Support Unit operation, Hexagon now has the facility to see ‘live’ all transactions and current statuses enabling it to provide the most professional service and back- up to its prestigious client base.
David Barlow, for
Hexagon
comments; “After an extensive evaluation and assessing the capabilities of the tyre supply market, Bandvulc and BTC provided a sound and progressive platform from which to develop and enhance Hexagon’s offer to its clients. It is a bespoke solution for our market segment and one which Hexagon are pleased to adopt”.
The fleet, mainly consisting of tractor units, is spread across the UK and requires nationwide coverage and service 24/7.
Utilising BTC’s network of partners allows a uniform service delivery.
For Bandvulc, Philip West, Commercial Director, adds; “It’s important that we continue to
Vacu-Lug has been appointed as the sole UK distributor for all West Lake TBR (Truck and Bus Radial) tyres in a move which sees a total of nine new product lines being added to the Vacu-Lug portfolio. Spanning a wide variety of operation types and with a choice of 17.5", 19.5" and 22.5" rim diameters, West Lake tyres are suitable for drive and steer axle applications for light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles.
"We are delighted to add West Lake to our growing range of tyres and associated tyre fleet management
services," comments Vacu-Lug Managing Director Tim Hercock. "West Lake manufactures a quality product to the highest environmental standards and as such we are delighted to now be able to offer this highly cost-effective brand to the UK's transport operators."
In terms of its environmental credentials, West Lake is one of the first global manufacturers to produce an entirely aromatic-free range of tyres, meaning that all West Lake tyres are fully REACH
compliant. Standing for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, the (REACH) Reach Directive EC/1907-2006 identifies, defines and regulates chemicals of concern contained in products for use in the European Union.
develop solutions for our diverse range of clients – Hexagon set some challenges which I’m pleased to report we have achieved and even exceeded in some areas”.
The tyre policy sees Bandvulc approved 1st life tyres for steer axles fitted and BTC’s network of tyre partners delivering the service.
l-r K.k. Singh, West Lake Sales manager for TBR/OTR, Vaculug MD Tim Hercock and Fleet Sales Director Dave Alsop
4 Retreading Business