Page 20 - RB-88-19-1

COMPANY NEWS
Salvadori Gains Traction in Retreading Market
working together on major accounts such as new tyre manufacturers and large retreaders. “We’re focusing on working out ways to get into these markets whilst avoiding compromising relationships,”
she said. “With our growing range of blades, envelopes and machinery, we now believe we are well situated to sell the rest of our range effectively to the global retreading sector.”
Salvadori srl has spent some time and effort in recent years in developing its growing retreading division, expanding its range of tools and developing its own range of buffing blades. More recently, at the 2016, Essen show, the company announced the introduction of its own range of envelopes as well as beginning to leverage the benefits of the association with its parent company, the US tyre repair materials manufacturer, Tech. During a recent trip to Italy, Retreading Business dropped by the company’s head office in Rovereto and spoke to Pablo Versini and Camilla Raffaelli, who are at the forefront of the drive to expand the company’s position
step customers have seen the advantages of the brand’s good price/quality relationship. The price/performance ratio is vital,” he adds, “but it’s also about leveraging our existing business relationships.”
According to Versini, the All-In range of envelopes has been positioned in between the two leading brands of MAE and Robbins and has been selling well in several Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile and Brazil, and is now starting to make inroads in Colombia too. Success has also been claimed in Croatia, Sweden, Belgium, Holland and Portugal, as well as in Turkey and several Asian markets including
Vellco Expands into Foreign Markets
in the retreading sector. According to Versini, the company’s All-In brand of inner and outer envelopes is now the company’s most important product, not least because the company has invested 300,000 Euros over a five-year period to develop the moulds and compounds for the range. The envelopes, which are manufactured in the EU, are compression moulded and are claimed to be 20% better than classic envelopes. The company offers a complete range of inner and outer envelopes, including two sizes for the ARC system, and is increasing the range year by year.
“The move to develop a range of envelopes was a big step for Salvadori,” says Pablo Versini. “At first, there was resistance in the market to the introduction of a new brand, but slowly, step-by-
Malaysia, Korea and Thailand.
In addition, their envelope range, Salvadori have been marketing their own Italian-manufactured range of buffing blades for five years, selling them across Latin America, Europe and Asia. Says Versini; “We have been manufacturing blades at a good level and find we can compete effectively in terms of both price and quality. This is due in part to the fact that we insist on using steel from Germany to manufacture our blades. The quality of the steel is one of the most important aspects in blade manufacture.”
On the subject of Salvadori’s relationship with its new owners, Tech, Camilla Raffaelli stresses the fact that the companies are slowly getting closer, exploring the synergies both in terms of products, such as carbide cutters, grindstones etc., but also by
Vellco Tyre Control is looking to seize upon the opportunity created by the upsurge in optimism within the European tyre retreading market by expanding its casing supply business to selected clients, whilst simultaneously consolidating and strengthening its position in key global markets such as South America and Africa.
The independently owned casing dealer and used tyre specialist located in Weaverthorpe, North Yorkshire, (UK) is engaged in the procurement, grading and sale of casings of all types including Car, Van, Truck, Agricultural, Industrial & EM.
The company was founded in 1950 by Robert Fell in order to service local tyre retail depots and haulage companies. Today, Vellco is positioned as one of the top companies within the UK and European tyre industry. Vellco’s expertise within the demanding world of tyre casings can be demonstrated by the company’s long and successful history. Vellco supplies part worn tyres and casings of all types and sizes in varying quality grades to anywhere across the world and manages the collection of automotive waste from a variety of blue-chip
UK customers. Vellco is able to adapt to the different requirements demanded by each market and can therefore provide a higher or lower grade depending on the quality required.
Joe Fell, the third-generation Managing Director of the company, commented:
“Currently, the retreading industry is experiencing a revival, particularly in Europe, thanks largely to the recent introduction of tariffs on truck and bus tyres manufactured in China. As one of Europe’s largest and most experienced casing dealers, we believe we are ideally positioned to help retreaders throughout Europe who are looking for new sources of casing supply, in order to help them meet the growing demand for retreaded tyres.
“Our strength relies on building personal relationships with every customer we deal with. Clients who call in to meet us can see our working practices and discuss business in a mutually friendly environment with passionate tyre people and the warmest of welcomes,” he added.
In addition to taking advantage of the opportunities offered in Europe, Vellco is also interested in increasing its presence in a number of global markets, supported by increased marketing activity and a presence at various tyre exhibitions around the world.
“The work does not stop close to home in Europe. We are looking to develop our position in various overseas markets and
20 Retreading Business
have a particular interest in developing contacts in South America and Africa,” concluded Joe Fell.