Continental has combined with Mexican retreader Vitallantas, based in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, to re-open the Contitread plant which burned down last July.
Mexican Retread Plant Renovation Completed
The brand-new plant, completed only 10 months after the devastating fire, which caused the total loss of the facility, was officially opened at a ceremony presided over by Rafael Domínguez Kelly, director of Vitallantas, in the presence of Javier Lizárraga Mercado, Secretary of State for the Economy; Luis Eusebio Terán Tirado, Secretary of Development, Tourism and Fisheries and José Luis De la Fuente Aragón, representative of Continental in Mexico.
“After 10 months of intense work it has been worth the effort, from the moment of the accident we knew that we had to continue with the business, that or we could stop serving our customers, “said Domínguez Kelly.
The new plant, built with a long-term plan to reduce production costs in mind, as well as a desire to be more environmentally friendly, incorporates a system that includes efficient lighting, a more efficient and safer air network, improved collection of rubber and dust waste, and self-sufficiency in electrical energy.
“To save energy we decided to install solar panels and insulate the roof,” said Domínguez Kelly. “We also installed a biodigester for wastewater treatment, since this area of the city does not have with drainage and sewerage, “he added.
The treated water is used to water the planters and wash the patios. Energy-saving appliances, a fire network, an alarm and smoke detection system, a camera system, pumping equipment and a 55 cubic meter cistern were also installed.
Domínguez Kelly recognised the work of the two fire brigades of the city and Civil Protection, who thanks to their work and effort were able to control and put out the fire.
The plant, originally inaugurated in 2017, has a staff of 12 employees and has a monthly production of just over 1,200 retreads, serving more than 250 transport companies.
