Continental marks a decade of Bandvulc ownership, celebrating the retreading tyre brand’s milestones over the period.
Bandvulc Brand Growth And Development At Ivybridge
Continental Tyres is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its acquisition of the long-standing retread tyre brand, Bandvulc. Since its integration in 2016, the Bandvulc product portfolio has expanded with the successful introduction of the latest Gen 5 range whilst extensive knowledge sharing across the business has helped deliver significant enhancements at both the UK and Stocken plants. The anniversary, which took place in July, was celebrated in Ivybridge as part of its annual fun-day for staff, family and friends.
Over the last decade, the Bandvulc brand has grown considerably. In 2023, the Ivybridge plant became one of two ContiLifeCycle facilities in Europe, serving as a major innovation hub for hot retreading across the region. Today, the facility produces both Bandvulc and ContiRe branded tyres for the UK and EMEA market.
Continental continues to invest in its people in Ivybridge through training and development. Around 280 people across Devon and nearby Cornwall are based at the site, with 60% of staff having worked at Ivybridge for over a decade. Some have more than forty years’ service.
Automation And Manufacturing Investment Drive Retread Production
Investment in automation has also been vital to the facility’s progression. Custom-built robotics, conveyor systems, and automation in previously manual processes have improved production efficiency, helped maintain its rigorous ISO9001 standard, and continually improved safety and ergonomics for its workforce. The site has produced more than a million retreads in the past 10 years, with a tyre typically leaving the production line every three minutes.
Supporting Local Communities And Developing Strong Partnerships
Community is also important to the Ivybridge team. In practice, this ranges from maintaining strong working relationships with local suppliers to donating rubber crumb for use in local sports facilities and children’s playgrounds, and further afield.
This year, the staff at ContiLifeCycle Ivybridge have raised money for Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and previously fundraised for Devon Air Ambulance and Children’s Happy Hospital Plymouth.
Tony Mailling, Plant Manager of ContiLifeCycle Ivybridge, said, “It is a testament to the staff at Ivybridge that throughout the brand’s development, the values of the team have never changed – pride, a dedication to delivering excellence and being a tight-knit community.”
“It has been an incredible decade of growth, and we look forward to further innovation and development at our ContiLifeCycle Ivybridge site in the future.”
