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LATIN AMERICA SHOW
Yasin Sarikulak, the Project Sales Engineer was representing Akar Makina at the exhibition
Commercial Manager for Mexico and Central America for Vipal Rubber Corporation.
The wide range of speakers was complemented by multi-language translations, providing an enhanced level of service to not only the visitors but the speakers themselves.
Lima expanded on this, “we were delighted with the conference programme. I think it was the highest quality programme we have delivered so far, not just in terms of the speakers and technical sessions thanks to specialists such as David Shaw and Kevin Rohlwing, but through the multi-language format we were able to afford.”
“With 250 people in attendance as well, this resulted in a satisfying experience for all parties: speakers, visitors and ultimately ourselves.”
The show has historically been influenced noticeably by Chinese exhibitors in the past, and this trend continued in 2018, as many Chinese firms looked to use the Latin American and Caribbean Tyre Expo as their key to open up the Central and South American markets.
On this Chinese influence, Lima suggested the following, “with most factories in China making 2 to 3 tyre brands, it’s logical that the majority of tyre manufacturers in the world that venture out will be Chinese. With the support that these companies are afforded by the Chinese government, it is only natural that Chinese businesses will have a strong presence at global trade events.”
As with all things in life, once one objective is complete, our thoughts start to turn towards the future and what possibilities lie ahead. And it’s no different with the Latin Expo Group. What takes on key significance for 2019, is the ongoing construction of the new Amador Convention Centre (CCA) in Panama, which recorded a 68 per cent construction rate at the start of May according to Panamá Today online, meaning
the schedule is tight if it is to be hasn’t been particularly ready for the show next year. busy, however the
Lima stated, “as of today, we are conversations we have not certain if the convention had have been very centre will be ready in time for positive, and we have next year’s show. However, we will made some promising still continue coming here and contacts. It’s for this when they are ready, we will reason that we are support them accordingly.” considering participating “Our time here at the ATLAPA at more events in this Convention Centre has run ver y part of the world in the smoothly, but on top of that the future.”
location of Panamá is ver y good, A natural response to this since it’s so well-connected to strategy is to question the Europe, Asia and North and reasoning and thought South America. Not only that the process behind it. beaches and hotels are of a good Sarikulak was clear and quality and this is supported by a precise on Akar Makina’s reliable infrastructure, which strategy, “the most provides us with a solid base for important part of this
the exhibition.” show for us is to build up
The development of the exhibition relationships with
in Panamá isn’t the only project potential clients and the
afoot for the Latin Expo Group image of the company. With that though, as following the in mind it’s critical that players in cancellation of the show in New the market see us having a Orleans, Lima has been looking to consistent appearance at shows set up a replacement, possibly in like this and similar events in the Nashville. future.
Traditionally, the big dealers in the “This would also benefit us in United States have planned their terms of increasing the popularity own mini conventions by going to of our company and its products. other locations, with ever ything Obviously, we try to sell products being provided in-house, thus at these events as well, but meaning the show in New improving the brand awareness is a Orleans was provided with key aspect.”
minimal support. Akar Makina is currently Lima put some more meat on the represented by one agent that
bones for Retreading Business, handles the sales for all of South “one of the things that surprised America. As to how sales are
on this area. We are satisfied with the results so far and believe expansion in this part of the world is due to arrive soon.”
During our discussion with Sarikulak, he stated that any market in South America appeals to the company. As long as the quality, price and performance of the market is acceptable, the price levels that Akar Makina can charge from being based in Turkey allows the company to be very competitive. A key facet of interest to Akar Makina is the production levels in Central and South American markets.
Yasin Sarikulak explained his thinking, “if we put it in terms of our domestic market in Turkey, it’s easier to demonstrate. Turkey has more than 200 retreaders and the production isn’t very high. On the other hand, in South America, although there are fewer retreaders, the production capacity is higher than back home and therefore intriguing for us.”
me with the show in Louisiana progressing, Sarikulak was
was the lack of support it received delighted to inform us that they from the trucking and retreading recently sold three cushion gum industries. The new show in extruders into Argentina. Nashville could be soon, but there Discussions are also ongoing for have been big changes that have further sales with another
shocked the distribution system customer following the sale of a recently.” buffer.
“Additionally, we face tough Sarikulak added, “we are in the competition with the SEMA show. early stages still here, but the
Its facilities and location in Las market is promising. More so than Vegas are good, which complicates Europe. Therefore, we are focusing things for us. However, we are
always looking for opportunities
and for new business. We maybe
could start with a show every two
years and a space of around
15,000 square feet and move on
from there.
CRI Rubber LLC Grow Awareness in Panama
Akar Makina Planning to Engage More in South and Central America
CRI Rubber was one of a large contingent of players from the retreading industry that participated in the Latin American and Caribbean Tyre Expo.
which incorporate pre-cured tread rubber and master batch mixing units and a complete line of pre- cured moulds.
“Since the 1980’s, our company’s managing partners have had substantial technical experience in manufacturing heavy duty, high volume rubber tyre products. This shows our expertise in the area,” explained Abraham.
The company, over the years, has focused on delivering pre-cured tread rubber and master batch compound mixes to export
At the Latin American and Caribbean Tyre Expo, Akar Makina was exhibiting for the first time, with Yasin Sarikulak, their Project Sales Engineer representing the company in their show debut. It
was here that he revealed to us that the company were considering of participating more at these types of events in these markets in the future.
Sarikulak explained, “the show
Joe Abraham, the Senior Vice President of Operations and Sales for North America, led the organisation’s presence at the show as it looked for new contacts and business opportunities. Officially founded in 2005 in Massachusetts, CRI as a company has grown to now consist of a number of tread rubber units,
52 Retreading Business