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TYREXPO AFRICA
daily at the Pit Stop area, plus at the end of each day there was an informal exhibitor networking event.
Retreading Business visited a significant number of the stands at the show and the general opinion from exhibiting companies was that it was a small show but at the same time constructive, as most visitors were serious business contenders. Looking at the show from the tyre retreading and recycling point of view, there were just five companies exhibiting – Gradeall International, Salvadori, Sun
Rubber, Elgi Rubber and Insa Turbo, which equates to just over eight per cent of the total companies presented at the show.
There is no doubt that all five of these business, although rating the show ‘as worth attending’ felt the event
needs to capitalise in the future on just how important the retreading and recycling industries are in South Africa and the whole of Southern Africa. Here are the direct quotes made to Retreading Business from these companies: Salvadori (Italy)...“It really needs to increase in size and in particular incorporate a dedicated retreading and recycling sector.”
Sun Rubber... “Being here was a good investment but the overall structure of the show could be improved and promote
retreading and recycling more prominently.”
Elgi Rubber... “It was a good show but needs to grow with more emphasis on retreading.” Insa Turbo... “The show was disappointing in size”
Gradeall International... ”This was our first time at the event and we expected to see more representation from the recycling industry.
When you consider that South Africa is normally known as a potentially thriving country where tyre recycling is more in evidence than other parts of the world. It is disappointing that such a small level of retreading companies were showcasing their products and services.
The reality of this situation is further compounded by the fact that there seemed to be an adequate amount of visitors from the retreading and recycling market, which explains why all five companies recorded a successful show.
In the months leading up to the show it was anticipated that SingEx would incorporate a dedicated Retreading and
Recycling Area but it seems obvious that this service could not be staged due to lack of support from potential exhibitors. This general lack of support, not just from exhibitors but also retreading and recycling visitors is surprising given the high impact of retreading taking place in South Africa at the moment. Perhaps the recent collapse of REDISA has played a role in this situation.
At the same time, it was noticeable that only three South African based companies – Apex Tyres, Exclusive Wheel & Tyre and O’Green-Metaforge exhibited at the show, and no exhibitors from other countries in Southern Africa were there. So, taking everything into consideration, SingEx presented a reasonably good show, but it is obvious that for the event to grow and become even more popular in Africa it really needs the increased support of the South African tyre industry including retreaders.