In a world often shaken by unpredictability and crises, an old, misattributed saying, “May you live in interesting times,” ironically captures the essence of living through periods fraught with danger and uncertainty. This phrase poignantly mirrors the experience of European tyre retreaters in recent years, who have found themselves navigating a sea of historical challenges.
Navigating Through Turbulence
Among them is Boleca S.L., a Canarias-based tyre retreading company led by Daniel Peñate. As Boleca S.L. commemorates its 30th anniversary, it reflects on a journey marked by resilience and adaptation, particularly highlighted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which dramatically paused global operations.
Boleca S.L. has established itself as a leader in the archipelago’s retreading industry, specialising in retreading tyres for trucks and buses. Despite diversifying its services, the retreading factory remains the company’s operational core. The pandemic’s impact was stark, forcing a four-month shutdown of this critical facility, an event Peñate describes as unimaginable. However, the challenges did not end with the pandemic. The subsequent energy crisis and geopolitical tensions exacerbated operational costs, leading to unprecedented measures such as contract renegotiations and frequent price adjustments—strategies previously foreign to the company.
Adapting to Market Trends
Transportation costs have surged, particularly affecting Boleca S.L. due to its island location, which amplifies the effects of remoteness and insularity. Yet, the company’s history is steeped in innovation and success. Founded in 1992 by Carmen Delia Peñate Morales, Daniel’s aunt, Boleca S.L. quickly adapted to market demands, initially thriving on the back of booming tourism and solid demand for passenger tyre retreads. The landscape shifted with the influx of imported Asian tyres, compelling the company to focus more on the truck tyre segment, where it found enduring success.
Bolstered by partnerships with industry giants like Bandag and Marangoni, Boleca S.L. underwent significant technological and operational enhancements. The acquisition by Bridgestone of Bandag did not deter the partnership, and in 2012, Boleca transitioned to using Marangoni’s ringtread system, a move that underlined its commitment to quality and innovation. More recently, the company began collaborations with Vipal, marking a strategic pivot towards optimising costs without compromising the quality of retreading materials, mainly focusing on premium product lines.
The Benefits of Geography
The broader European retreading landscape has faced its share of difficulties, with many players needing help to survive. Peñate notes the industry’s perilous state, emphasising the shrinking number of retreaders and the looming threat of extinction. Despite these challenges, Boleca S.L. has leveraged its unique position in the Canary Islands, where shorter travel distances between local settlements mean tyres often arrive at the factory in good condition, making retreading a more viable and profitable option than the mainland.
This advantage, coupled with the Canary Islands’ favourable Economic and Tax System—endorsed by the EU—positions Boleca S.L. competitively. The company serves local needs and attracts casings from companies outside the islands seeking more cost-effective retreading solutions. The shift towards renewable energy, specifically installing rooftop solar panels, reflects Boleca’s commitment to sustainability and cost efficiency, especially in the face of rising electricity prices.
An Optimistic Outlook
Despite the overarching challenges, Peñate remains optimistic about the future. Recent renewals of significant contracts and the government’s push towards public transportation bode well for the company’s volume of work. The European Commission’s extension of anti-dumping duties on Chinese tyres is another positive development, helping level the playing field for retreaters against low-cost, new tyres.
Labour remains a concern, with Boleca S.L. needing help attracting and retaining specialised professionals. Yet, the company’s investment in state-of-the-art retreading machinery and continuous staff training underscores its commitment to maintaining high operational standards and quality outputs.
As Boleca S.L. looks to the future, Daniel Peñate embodies a spirit of optimism and resilience. Despite the industry’s challenges and the company’s turbulent journey, Peñate sees a brighter horizon for Boleca S.L. and the retreading industry. By embracing change, pursuing innovation, and adhering to a quality and customer service philosophy, Boleca S.L. stands as a testament to the enduring value of retreading in “interesting times.”
