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COMPANY PROFILE
Vipal Reveals its Formula for a Better, Faster and More Economic Retreading Process
Vipal’s factory at Feira de Santana
As one of the world’s leading tread rubber manufacturers, Vipal continues to hold a leading position in the Latin American market, supplying more than 90 countries from its 3 plants in Brazil with more than 3,000 employees. The company stands out for the services offered to the market, especially to retreading customers, which are supported by permanent regional teams and 14 Vipal distribution centres strategically located on five continents. In addition to sharing the knowledge acquired during its 45-year history, celebrated last July, Vipal also holds periodic meetings and training programmes to showcase the
quality of its products and services, and provide guidance on how to obtain the best results.
By the end of the current year, Vipal Rubber plans to open its first factory outside Brazil, in the city of Perez, Argentina. Strategically located, the new plant covers an area of 15,470m2, delivering a monthly production capacity of 900 tons, and set to become one of the largest productive units in the Argentinean tyre retreading industr y. Begun in the 90's, the company's exports are now reinforced to keep Vipal among the world's four largest companies in its sector. "There have been many achievements in our
international history. Delivering products to leading companies in markets such as the US, Europe and Oceania, which are high-demand markets, is an achievement that sets us apart," says Leandro Rigon, International Business Director.
Research and development as a basis for offering quality products
Since its inception, the company has been investing in research and technology to support its growth, and improve the solutions offered to the market. A proof of this is the Vipal Research and
Technology Center, focused on researching and developing the latest and better "Rubber Universe" solutions, and transforming them into knowledge and products for both customers and end users. Holding a complete range of sophisticated equipment, the company’s 13 laboratories yield scientific knowledge from a team of PhDs, Masters and technicians, which add to Vipal’s experience of
more than 45 years on the road. This investment in R&D allows the company to achieve the best combination of compounds and designs, developing the best tread for each type of application.
A good example of this
tangible strategy are Vipal's unique designs to serve specific segments, such as DV-UM3, a successful case for the urban segment in many countries. Moreover, the company recently launched the DV-MTE tread, designed to reduce tread puncture, and to protect the casing against damages. This in addition to the DV-RT4, VL140A, VM729 and VT110 treads, whose high quality and performance are widely acknowledged by the market.
The ECO Treads, which lead the segment today, are produced with a high-tech rubber formula for
low rolling resistance, leading to fuel savings of up to 10%. Other successful examples of composites developed for a specific application are Vipal’s
treads with the
3PMSF label, found
on European
tyres
indicated
for severe
snow
conditions,
and also on
the VT170
and VL130
treads under the US Smartway Transport – a programme aimed at reducing CO2, nitrogen oxides and particulates in cargo hauling. This explains the success of the brand in the segment.
The company also invests in materials that provide better performance for retreaded tyres, such as the RA Patch, which is
produced with aramid fibre, a reinforced textile used in bullet- proof vests, seat belts and automobile armouring. Available in various sizes, these patches are lighter, more flexible and 5 times stronger than steel. They are also easy to install, provide excellent performance that preserves the casing, and ensures more retreads per tyre. Vipal envelopes and
innerlopes are another
Vipal treads for the European market
example of products of superior quality. Thanks to their elasticity and extremely high heat resistance, they ensure high performance for retreaders who require products with long service life.
A broad eco-friendly line, such as the Vulk Paint and the AcquaVulk Solution, both water-based, is also offered to meet current market needs, adding to Vipal's 'green' portfolio. These products have helped to eliminate the emission of solvents during the retreading process, among other benefits. "Vipal has invested in research and development of high-quality products, including specially designed composites and treads, to ensure higher yield and savings for our customers. In addition, we
have furthered our actions alongside the Vipal
retreader partners,
who now have
training, tyre
Inside Vipal’s Technology Centre
management
platforms and
retreaded tyres developed by the company," said Leandro Rigon.
Leading-edge technology and equipment for competitiveness
Vipal perseveres in its strategy of providing equipment to qualify the service of its retreading partners and helps them grow in a highly competitive market. The
machiner y for
28 Retreading Business