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NEWS
Bandvulc Adds to Commercial Team
Ian Harris, 27, has joined the Bandvulc Group, the UK’s leading independent retread tyre manufacturer. He joins from a local company having gained previous commercial B2B skills in a different market. Commenting on his appointment Ian adds; “I am delighted to have joined Bandvulc. My family has had an association with the company as my
father worked here for 25 years. The role is exciting as it involves all aspects of the commercial activity which is a much wider role than I had previously.”
Ian will be working for Philip West, the Group’s Commercial Director who adds; “We are pleased to welcome Ian to the sales team. He will undergo an extensive training period as we want him to develop an understanding of all areas of our
business. He has experience of sales in a commercial role and it’s important we develop younger staff for the future.” Ian’s role will be to develop the commercial activity of the business and he joins a team currently managing a range of clients from a large blue chip portfolio, right through to regional operations.
RTA Develops its Website
especially since we pride ourselves on being a high service organisation,” it continues.
“With a very small staff it is difficult to properly serve the needs of our members without devoting full time – sometimes even seven days a week – to their various needs and requests,” the group says.
“Happily, we are now settled in and are on firm ground regarding our priorities,” it reports, adding that developing the website is the now the No. 1 priority: “Here is a promise that we intend to keep if we have to work around the clock to make it happen.”
The RTA has launched its new website but promises that the site has further development to come to upgrade its service to its growing number of members.
“If you are an RTA member you deserve better, but we want you to
know there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” the association says in a statement that includes an apology for the delay.
“Since our founding in November 2010 our success in adding new members has overwhelmed us,
Akar Installs Two Retread Plants
Turkish retreading equipment specialist Akar Makina has announced the installation of two new turnkey retread plants, one in Turkey and a second in Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijan plant is an investment by Azersun Holding, a large transport firm with three fleets operating in Azerbaijan, Turkey and Northern Iraq. The company will operate its own in-house retreading facility. Akar set up the complete plants including buffing machines, a 16 tyre autoclave, building equipment and all other equipment including the monorail systems.
The second plant has been
established by a large tyre dealer based in Bursa, Turkey, Uldag Lastik and they have an agreement with Goodyear to produce retreads for the tyre maker. The plant is again a fully equipped operation, including a 20 tyre autoclave.
These recent installations re- inforce Akar Makina’s claim to be a one stop shop for retreading equipment, and sign the ongoing expansion of the company in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East markets, as well as making inroads into the North African sector.
Dunlop Scientist Recognised With Award
A scientist at Birmingham-based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres has been recognised for his work in developing a new tread compound that could increase the tyre life and reduce operating costs for airlines around the world.
James O’Callaghan, 26, from Erdington received the Sue Panteny Award from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. While developing the new compound, James studied one-day a week for a polymer technology degree at Staffordshire University, which, after three years, he passed
with first class honours last summer. The new compound reduces the heat build up of the tyre and increases its abrasive resistance. Following extensive internal testing, Dunlop Aircraft Tyres will initiate controlled trials across various aircraft across Europe before deciding whether to incorporate it into new products.
“I’m delighted that another one of our employees has been recognised for their pioneering work,” said Ian Edmondson, chairman, Dunlop Aircraft Tyres.
“We work in a competitive
marketplace and it is through continual innovation that we will remain at the forefront of the aircraft tyre industry.
“Tyre manufacturers face constant pressure to improve performance and reduce aircraft operators’ costs. James’ work shows how we continue to lead the way in this field.
“I congratulate James on his first class honours degree and on securing this fantastic recognition from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.”
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