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COMPANY NEWS
Marangoni - Vipal Alliance:
A Shot in the Arm for Independent Retreading?
At the end of November, the Marangoni Group announced that it had established a global alliance with Vipal Rubber, thereby bringing together two of the world’s most prominent suppliers of retreading technology. The news is obviously of significant importance to the retreading industry, especially to
located in Brazil, one of which is used for Vipal’s export business. The company has developed strong positions in a number of global markets, notably North America, Europe and Australia, but does not have local production, in those markets (In Europe there is a production agreement with Mezclas
built a footprint over several years. The company has also started to build a network in India and have a joint venture partner there (GRP). That leaves the South East Asian markets, where neither company is strong. There are, however, several South East Asian players, who, without naming any names, may
market strength via their TRM subsidiary. This is, of course, an area in which Vipal has also recently made an entry but is still developing its position. On the other hand, Vipal has a strong position as a manufacturer of tyre repair materials, an area in which Marangoni is currently not active.
independent retreaders, as the creation of a truly global alliance between the two companies, has the potential to provide a real shot in the arm for independent pre-cure retreaders globally.
Since the news broke, however, both partners have remained tight-lipped about the finer details of the alliance, leaving the market to speculate on exactly how the alliance will evolve.
Marangoni have initially released some basic information, namely that the alliance will initially focus on activities in the Americas and that the two companies’ next industrial plan will be made in collaboration. Vipal, meanwhile, have stated that they have some organisational aspects they need to conclude before they can comment openly to the market, but have stated they will do so as soon as this phase is complete. We hope to be able to bring you more information on this in the next issue of Retreading Business.
In the meantime, this leaves us as market observers to analyse the synergies between the two companies and identify areas in which the two companies might wish to co-operate in order to leverage their combined strengths. In terms of manufacturing facilities, the synergies are obvious. Vipal has three major production facilities
Caucho in Spain).
Marangoni, on the other hand, has manufacturing facilities in a number of global markets – Italy and Germany, North America, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa (via the recently announced acquisition of Leader Tread).
There are, it seems obvious opportunities to consolidate and optimise the two companies’ production in South America, whilst
well be interested in some kind of co-operation.
The synergies between Marangoni and Vipal are not just limited to aspects of production, though – there are also many synergies in terms of the two companies’ product ranges. Although both companies will see their house- brands as occupying the premium sector, Marangoni, through its Black Line, range, has attempted to create
All these thoughts, of course, are mere speculation. More details of the alliance between Marangoni and Vipal, will no doubt emerge in the coming months. Just as interesting, will be watching what the alliance means for other major players with regional strength globally such as the likes of Kraiburg, Galgo, Tipler, Eversafe etc. Is there the potential for further global alliances? And what about the potential for these companies to make closer alliances with leading equipment manufacturers? There are plenty of them. Time will tell, but one thing is certain, the Global Alliance between Marangoni and Vipal has the potential to usher in a new era of positivity for independent retreaders on a worldwide basis.
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simultaneously creating opportunities for Vipal to manufacture locally in other markets around the world. The potential to share storage and distribution facilities is also clear. Looking at other global markets, Marangoni have invested time and resources in China where they have
a “Super Premium” segment. At the same time Vipal, via its second line brand Ruzi, also occupies a position in the mid-range sector of the market.
Another area for potential co- operation is in the equipment sector, where Marangoni have strong technical expertise and