Page 44 - RB96

SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s Thomas Tyres Leverages on TBR Strength
standards laid down by the Bandag Dealer Network,”
Etienne says the company has a strong family bond, not only with the direct family members working in the establishment, “but also with all our staff. Over the past 15 or so years, we have gone into partnerships with people that know the industry
tyre market with a major impact on the retreading sector. But with Thomas Tyres’ long standing relationship with suppliers in the Far East, it was able to stand the heat with a ratio of two retreads for every new tyre sold. It enjoys immense support from Bandag through its selling programmes, as well as manufacturing support
South African Bandag franchisee Thomas Tyres specialises in the Truck and Bus Radial Tyre (TBR) segment with a production capacity of about 7,500 retreads on a monthly basis. Established by Omri Thomas in 1964, the company offers products and services that cater to the needs of all motorists in South Africa through its excellent customer service, high-quality wheels and tyres, and expert workmanship. “This is what makes us one of the best in the industry, coupled with our competitive pricing and friendly consultants who provide our customers with a pleasant and convenient shopping experience,” said Etienne Thomas, the company’s Managing Director.
Thomas Tyres opened its first shop in Meyerton, a small town
grandfather ‘selling the value of a product, and not the cheapest option,’ which he says the company believes in. “That is the reason we have a long relationship with Bandag, a premium retread sold on quality and cost per kilometer, not only price.
“We also believe in doing business in a strong ethical way, and therefore it is built on values that build long term relationships with all parties involved, including personnel, suppliers and customers” he told Retreading Business.
Thomas Tyres also supplies new tyres from global tyre brands like Continental, Goodyear, BF Goodrich, Dunlop, Michelin and Bridgestone, as well as imported tyres from brands such as Kumho, Yokohama and Pirelli. In addition,
and that have the same core values as us. This model is very successful for us, as the partners are fully invested in their respective businesses, and we as the so called “Big Brother” give the required support such as systems, capital and more.”
The plants are audited bi-annually by their franchisor, Bandag, to see that they adhere to the Bandag policy on safety, environment and quality, but they are faced with the challenges of cheap imports of budget new tyres from Far East China, as well as selling the value
across its plants in South Africa. South Africa has a highly sophisticated retreading industry with an estimated 200,000 reusable casings imported for retreading every year. Local transporters rely heavily on retreads to reduce their running cost per kilometre and are mostly retreaded up to three times, Sumitomo Rubber and Bridgestone Tyres manufacture TBR tyres locally. The total local production of tyres between the two plants is around 400,000 per annum. The market for
located in the south of Gauteng province, in 1964, and has since become a landmark in many towns across South Africa. The company’s expansion encompasses 25 retail branches and three Bandag retread factories.
Etienne Thomas took over the outfit from his father, Deon Thomas and uncle, Eugene Thomas in 2010 and assumed the role of managing director after working with them for 20 years. They both retired in 2010. His grandfather, Omri, had passed away in 1992 before Deon and Eugene took over the company and managed it for 18 years.
All through the years of his managerial role, Etienne has kept to the core values of his late
the company offers a range of wheel services which include expert wheel alignment across its branches.
“Wheel alignment is vital for ensuring better mileage and extended tyre life. That's why our qualified technicians use the latest 3D alignment technology to give you the best results. Our technicians are experts when it comes to wheel balancing and are able to make sure that our customers’ vehicles’ wheels are properly balanced.”
“But for those who require tyre services, we have factories in Meyerton, White River and Standerton where we are able to retread tyres, using state-of-the-art rubber compounds and treads designs while adhering to the
of the Bandag’s products against other retread suppliers.
This imports and sales of cheap new tyres from China is a big challenge on the South African
replacement paves the way for importation of an estimated 1.1 million new tyres per annum, while the retread market is approximately the same size.
44 Retreading Business