“I’m following in my father’s footsteps,” says Amro Aldreeny, Factory Manager at Trisons Tyre Retreading in Saudi Arabia. The company is part of the Trisons Group, which was established by Amro’s father, Hafez Aldreeny, who also serves as its CEO. The family’s journey in retreading began in Bahrain, where they successfully established a business centred on delivering high-quality retreaded tyres. The success of the Bahraini operation led Hafez to explore expansion into the growing Saudi market.
Replicating a Proven Model
“My father’s experience began as a tyre technician with Bandag in Dammam, laying the foundation for his deep knowledge of retreading. Based on this experience, he believed the Saudi market had great potential, and in 2010, he launched our operation here,” explains Amro.
From a young age, Amro was immersed in the business. “I started working for my father at 12, cleaning tyres in the factory. I always aspired to run the plant myself one day,” he recalls. “As an Egyptian, learning that the retreading concept originated in Egypt made me feel a personal connection and pride in this industry.” After nearly fifteen years of hands-on experience and progression through every stage of the business, Amro now manages the Trisons facility in Saudi Arabia.
The Trisons Group model is built around the Bandag retreading system, which Hafez and Amro hold in high regard. “We believed Bandag was the ideal company when it came to proper tyre retreading standards,” says Amro. “That’s why we adopted the Bandag concept in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. It gave us a reliable framework to deliver consistent quality.”
As part of its expansion strategy, Trisons has strongly emphasised client education. “One of our early challenges was addressing the perception of retreaded tyres. We started by educating technicians working for transporters—many of whom were unaware of the importance of the casing in the retreading process,” Amro says.
This approach included training transporter staff on tyre repair, casing inspection, compressor maintenance, and rim maintenance. “We went beyond tyre performance,” Amro continues. “We helped them understand how proper equipment maintenance contributes to tyre life.”
To demonstrate the value of retreading, Trisons provided test tyres free of charge, followed up with performance evaluations, and presented customers with technical reports and cost-per-kilometre (LCPK) studies. “That process helped shift customer perceptions and gave us a foot in the door with larger fleets,” says Amro.
Navigating a Competitive Market
Saudi Arabia’s tyre market has grown steadily in recent years and is expected to continue accelerating, driven by major government-backed infrastructure projects and initiatives, such as Vision 2030. According to market forecasts, the tyre market is set to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% between 2022 and 2027.
The most common commercial tyre sizes in the Saudi market include 10.00R20, 11R22.5, 315/80R22.5, 385/65R22.5, 1200R24, and 325/95R24. Chinese tyres dominate the new truck and bus radial (TBR) sector with a 60% market share, while premium tyres account for just 10%. Retreaded tyres account for roughly 30% of the market, with most being produced using the cold process.
“Many retreaders are importing materials from India, but we source from multiple countries—Turkey, India, and Malaysia—to meet different customer requirements in terms of price and quality,” says Amro. “We use Monaflex and Rema Tip Top patches, and our equipment is mostly Chinese. We also use some tools and stands from South Africa and India.”
A major challenge in the Saudi retreading sector is the sale of re-grooved tyres as used tyres by some puncture shops. “This practice destroys casings, which reduces retreadability and increases the risk of accidents,” says Amro. “The casing is the heart of the tyre. If it’s damaged, no amount of retreading can fix that.”
Trisons currently rejects many casings due to distortion and poor structural integrity. “This is especially common in low-quality Chinese tyres. Even if they’re new, their casings are often not retreadable,” he adds.
Despite these challenges, retreaded tyres remain cost-effective. “Our retreads are about 45% cheaper than new Chinese tyres, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious operators—provided they understand the long-term value,” Amro says.
Sales Strategy and Value-Added Services
Educating customers remains a key part of Trisons’ sales strategy. “Many fleet managers are quick to blame retreads for failures but rarely scrutinise the quality of the new tyres they purchase. Low-cost tyres often fail just as easily,” says Amro. “So, our sales approach involves frequent client visits, where we explain the financial and environmental benefits of retreading.”
The company collects high-quality casings, typically from premium tyres, and rejects anything substandard. Its monthly output averages around 1,000 tyres.
Beyond retreads, Trisons offers a range of services, including tyre repairs, foam-filled tyres, and the sale of new tyres. Its in-house service centre provides free tyre mounting and dismounting.
“Our sales team includes five sales representatives, two casing collectors, and two drivers,” Amro notes. “This gives us the flexibility to respond quickly to customers’ needs and maintain close relationships.”
Training and Future Expansion
Trisons has also prioritised staff training in partnership with its suppliers. “Every two to three months, experts from the region visit us to train our staff on new technologies, tyre specifications, and market trends,” says Amro. “These sessions keep our team up to date and ensure we deliver the best service to our customers.”
Amro believes that trust in retreading is growing among end users despite market pressures. “The perception is changing. Customers are beginning to realise that the tyre’s core is in the casing, not just the tread. Once they understand this, they see the value in retreads.”
A Family-Driven Enterprise
The success of Trisons is grounded in strong family values. Amro, who holds a degree in civil engineering from the American University in Cairo, began his journey in the cleaning business, focusing on the showroom floor. “From there, I worked as a salesman, sales manager, and now I’m factory and operations manager,” he says.
His sister, a qualified doctor, is the Sales Manager at the company’s Bahraini facility. “She knows tyres and retreading as well as I do. I still remember our small office and how she cleaned it herself to save money,” Amro shares. Her husband, a petrochemical engineer, now works as Quality Manager.
Looking to the future, Amro has ambitious plans. “My vision is to establish a fully automated, state-of-the-art retreading facility. My mission is to help every customer reduce costs and protect their casings—zero damage, maximum value.”
Author: Rafik Kozman
