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NEWS EXTRA
Akarmak Enter Qatari Retreading Market
Akar Makina have announced the installation of a new complete retreading line to the biggest retreading company in Qatar, the Doha based Al Suwaidi Group.
Al Suwaidi is one of the biggest industrial groups in Doha involved in a number of industries in addition to the tyre sector.
The new turnkey retreading plant is fitted with high technology Akarmak retreading equipment including a CNC Buffer, autoclave and an automatic tyre loading system. Al Suwaidi Retreading aims to continue to be the market leader in Qatar with its new, state of the art retreading plant.
Bandag Australia Goes Solar
Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has further strengthened the environmental commitment of its Australian operations, switching on
save an estimated 220.8 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year.”
Bandag General Manager Retread
Manufacturing Manager Glen Scheinpflug and General Manager Retread Business Greg Nielsen at the Bandag manufacturing facility
a major solar panel network that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Two 100 kilowatt solar power systems have been installed at Bridgestone’s Bandag manufacturing facility in Wacol in a project representing six months of planning and a significant investment.
More than 350 peak solar panels have been installed on the factory’s roofing, which is also used to harvest 265,000 litres of rainwater that then cools equipment at the plant. Another 400 panels were fitted to the roof of the Quality Tyre Sales business on the same site.
Bandag, the number one tyre retreading brand in Australasia, retreads more than 550,000 truck casings every year, saving these tyres from entering the waste stream.
Bridgestone Australia Managing Director Andrew Moffatt said the project was part of Bridgestone’s ongoing mission to lowering its impact on the environment. “At Bridgestone, we take our responsibilities very seriously and are extremely conscious of how our operations affect the environment,” Mr Moffatt said.
“Tyre retreading is a highly efficient form of recycling in itself, but every day we strive to ensure our commitment to the environment doesn’t end with our products.”
“This solar panel project is a significant step forward in our quest to lower our impact and will
Business Greg Nielsen said installing the new solar power systems was another step towards making the Bandag business carbon neutral.
“The 357 peak solar panels installed at our Bandag processing plant will generate approximately 136.3 megawatt hours per annum. Alongside that, the Quality Tyre Sales site has had a further 400 panels installed, meaning it will become almost self sufficient in daylight hours,” Mr Nielsen said. “We’re making a concerted effort to be smarter in the way we do things and it’s a great feeling knowing we’re making our own power, instead of just using it. This, paired with our water harvesting system, means that even on our least productive days we’re still being productive.”
The solar panel network will reduce Bandag’s energy costs significantly and there’s an estimated five year return on the investment. In addition to the environmental initiatives already in place, Bandag has a number of other projects planned for this year.
“We want to lead the way in the industr y, and believe all tyre manufacturers should strive to be more environmentally aware,” Mr Nielsen continued.
“This year, we are turning our attention to doubling our rain water harvesting capacity and finalising a plan to recycle 200 tonnes worth of tread scrap annually.”
Purcell Opens in Kansas City
Purcell Tire & Rubber Co. has opened a commercial service centre in Kansas City, Mo. It is the company’s first outlet in Kansas City and its ninth store in Missouri. The company purchased an existing building and converted it to a full- service commercial tyre store. The 8,000-square-foot facility has three service bays and seven employees. The store is managed by Richard Kerber, who most recently served as off road tyre manager for Cross- Midwest Tire Co., which is based in Kansas City.
The new outlet offers retreading services for off road, medium truck and light truck tyres. The facility will carry a large inventory of light truck, commercial, industrial and off-the-road tyres. The store
provides 24/7 roadside service. Kansas City is a natural expansion due to Purcell’s locations in Springfield and Joplin and its truck and OTR retread plant in nearby Potosi, Mo., according to CEO Roger Lucas. “Kansas City is a strong off road and truck market. It allows us to solidify our presence as a strong Midwest truck dealer.” Lucas says Purcell will hire a person dedicated to truck tyre sales at the Kansas City location.
Purcell Tire was established in 1936. The family-owned business now operates more than 70 service locations nationwide along with five tyre retread plants. The company provides services and retreading for consumer, commercial, industrial and mining vehicles.
Massa Pneus Becomes Continental Best Drive
French family business Massa Pneus was taken over last summer by the Continental Group. The company is currently changing the corporate branding from Massa Pneus to Conti’s Best Drive brand. This brand, developed by Continental in seven countries, has begun its deployment in France. The tyre manufacturer has built its network with the acquisition of several large family firms over the past two years. Thus, the sign Best
Drive will have 230 outlets in France plus three retreading units. The purchase of the Massa Group brought in 138 outlets.
60 Retreading Business