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PORTUGAL
operations, and the lower grade are only ever used for off the road operations.”
It was noted on the tour of the warehouse that casings were stored by size and type, and often marked up with their proposed tread pattern. Not only that but tyres from different sources were stored separately, this stock was Japanese, that Australian, the other from Germany. Every tyre, after inspection being given its bar code that follows it throughout the factor y.
Used tyres are a big issue for retreaders in Portugal, and others that I had visited had questioned Fedima’s practice of selling used tyres. With four depots around Portugal Fedima is an a commanding position in the marketplace and what Fedima does can have an influence on everyone. “Fedima is primarily a retread operation. We also have a Euromaster franchise, and have four depots for tyre collection throughout the country. We sell new tyres because we have the facilities and we can compete in that market. We sell retreads because that is what we make. When we collect tyres for retreading, particularly car tyres, there are often many with considerable amounts of tread – 5- 6mm or more. If those tyres are found to be in a good state of repair and hold air, we will also sell these as used tyres to that market. If I don’t sell the used tyres then the customer asking for them will go elsewhere. When he does have the money to buy new or retread tyres, he will have changed his alliance to another dealer who has sold him the used tyres that he wants. By selling used tyres we can be sure that those we do sell are safe, and, importantly, we add another element to our business that keeps us competitive and profitable.”
There is without doubt a huge amount going on at Fedima and
nothing seems to stand still for long. However, since Fedima has an involvement in every element of the tyre market, from new tyre sales, through repairs and retreading, to used tyre sales. How involved was Fedima with whole life tyre management, after all it would seem an obvious route to take and was certainly one that key competitors were taking?
“At the moment we do not operate a tyre management programme,” said Carlos, “but it is something that we are developing. We deal largely with distributors and wholesalers, or our agents abroad. Remember, over 60 per cent of our production goes to export. However, we are working on a solution that would meet our business needs.”
The inventor y of retreading equipment at Fedima is impressive, with 18 truck and bus tyre presses,
45 car, light truck and 4x4 presses, plus a few OTR presses; plus autoclaves large and small, with another being commissioned soon. It is evident that there is always something being developed here. Interestingly, as described in the OTR building, Carlos Marques has not done as many have done and fully automated his operations. A small corner of the factory is given over to building motorsports tyres. One might be forgiven for thinking that this is just car tyre retreading with sports treads but it is much more.
“The sports tyre market is important for us as it keeps our name out in front of people, we get publicity not just for being used, but in the media when the cars are photographed. The yellow Fedima logo on the sidewall stands out. “We target those markets where
there is a need for highly specialised tyres, the off road sector, autocross and grass track racing. We can offer treads typical to the sport, and we can use compounds to suit the needs of the racer.
“Racing tyres need to have tougher sidewalls than conventional tyres, so we add nylon reinforcing strips around the sidewall and the shoulder area. If the market wants stiffer tyres, we can make them for them.”
At every turn in the factory there seems to be something else, another niche covered. Almost as an afterthought, Carlos pointed out the industrial tyre
retreads, both pneumatic and solid. The solid tyres can be retreaded on their rim, thus minimising the risk of damage to the beading between the tyre and the rim.
One development that Carlos Marques is rightly proud of is the company’s website, designed by daughter Joana Marquez, the site is an all singing all dancing tour of retreading. It carries the full Fedima catalogue and many of the tyres can be viewed in 360 degree detail. Carlos Marques has no intention of backing off, this business has been good to him and his family and there is always a view to the future. Asked about developments, he feels that Europe is difficult and that there are many issues with key markets such as North Africa and Brazil. However there is the possibility of a joint venture in Mexico and the potential Mexican partners have already visited Fedima and they found Fedima’s products interesting.
Fedima is a Portuguese company that is at the top of its game, arguably one of the top retreaders in Europe. Its workshops are equipped by only the best equipment, Matteuzzi, Italmatic, Marangoni, and there is attention to detail in the finish of the tyres, to service and to managing the company’s competitiveness. Surely the coming market will have a future for companies such as this who bring value to the retread sector?
Marangoni Ringtread plant in operation
Building a truck tyre for hot cure
28 Retreading Business