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THE TIRE
Europe,” Akin explained.
Just like everyone else, Cooper Tyres was also impacted by the general downturn in the retreading market, provoked by the cheap imports. Given this, over the past several years, Rekor Kaucuk has not invested a lot into new products for the retreaders. This situation, however, is about to change, as the optimism is growing stronger in the company.
“As the discussions on this new regulation move forward, we plan to expand our portfolio with new patterns and new sizes, based on the demand on the market. We believe that some recovery on the retreading market in Europe will be seen already by the end of 2018,” Akin said.
The company has already strong business in the countries bordering with Turkey, such as Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan as well as some Middle East countries. All of these countries have also felt the impact of what used to be called the Chinese invasion.
“If you look at the trade shows,
I believe their content to be a little bit changed. It is like four to six years ago in Reifen Essen we had visitors from all around the world, and they were asking about precure treads, but last year we participated in Autopromotec and two years ago in Reifen Essen, and at those shows the visitors profile had changed. The trade shows now are places where you can meet only all your existing customers, plus all other producers and your competitors, but new customers are not approaching exhibitors any longer,” Akin explained.
“I think this will change again, the demand in the market will rise soon, and there will be plenty of new customers again. Although, I would not bet that those changes would take place right away. I expect there will be some transition period. The market will see the number of orders from the fleets rising, but it will take some time to happen,” he concluded.
Quality Retreading Compounds from ITG
Based in Fusignani, Italy, ITG were exhibiting at the Tire Cologne show. As always, the main objective for Fabio Cortesi, the face of ITG, was to meet regular clients and introduce the company to new ones. ITG is part of the Manzoni Group and has a history that goes back to
1965.
ITG has built a reputation as a precure tread supplier, but this year Cortesi was also promoting the group’s Ever Compounds.
In a highly competitive market Ever Compounds are, according to Cortesi, gaining ground in the wider market.
The ITG stand attracted a lot of attention
RETREADING MATERIALS