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RETREADING
New Online Retread System Set to Make Life Easier for Fleets
Retreaded tyres definitely have their benefits, providing optimum mileage and fuel consumption over their extended life. However, the returning of tyre casings to be retreaded can often be viewed as quite an awkward process that relies on a lot of paper work. Thanks to Goodyear Dunlop’s new eCasing technology, however, this may be about to change. Through Goodyear Dunlop’s new innovative eCasing technology dealers are faced with a simple, quick, secure and paperless system, beating the previous mounds of paper work when it comes to returning casings. The system is hosted through Goodyear Dunlop’s online account management system, Tyre Portal - where it now provides dealers with complete online visibility of all things casing related.
Mark Lambden, Office Manager from City 1st, who was involved in the testing the system said: “The new system is fantastic; it provides me with complete and
instant information when it comes to my casings. The process is so much simpler, there is less paper work, it is less time consuming and we get greater benefits.” There seems to be fewer and fewer excuses for fleets scrapping tyres needlessly. The simple and easy to use system halves the amount of time spent previously completing the return process. That, along with retreads being able to offer the same economical characteristics to that of new tyres as well as providing enhanced environmental advantages such as; less energy consumption, less chemicals, reduced casing disposal and fewer emissions, means retreads are looking more and more like the smarter choice. The simplicity of Goodyear’s new system should hopefully break down barriers to fleets who are currently on the fence when deciding whether or not to return their casings. If they do decide to return them it could save fleets money as well as having a positive impact on the environment.
A F1rst for Bandvulc
In April Bandvulc, the UK’s largest independent retreader of truck tyres, introduced its most recent operation, BVF1rst – a new tyre wholesale business only selling products built on what
alongside Bandvulc tyres and the team are well set for this as Birgit speaks fluent German.
The new tyre ranges available include BOTO and Fulda.
BOTO is a Bandvulc retreadable
Bandvulc accepts as being a retreadable casing. BVF1rst enables the Group to complement its wide range of retread products with new tyre offerings, providing customers with a one-stop-shop for tyres. The tyre range includes premium, regional and budget options to suit all applications and prices whilst also ensuring they can all be retreaded into the same premium, regional or budget Bandvulc retread. BVF1RST utilises Bandvulc’s own distribution fleet of 21 vehicles, delivering throughout the UK, Ireland and into Europe. The operation is managed by a dedicated telesales team including Jon Squires who joined the company earlier this year specifically to spearhead this area of the business. Alongside him are Jodi Benney and Birgit Emanuel. They have in-depth knowledge of the full range of tyres on offer as well as experience in customer service. The team takes ever y opportunity
to ensure customers are stocking to the right level to meet their end-user needs and maintain regular contact with both suppliers and end users. While BVF1rst sales are predominantly UK-based, the European market is a key development area
approved Chinese tyre option which has been fully tested by Bandvulc, including its retreadability. This is key for Bandvulc as the company insists many tyre products from the Far East do not prove value for money and do not meet Bandvulc’s strict quality requirements for retreading. Since its launch in April, new BOTO tyres sold through BVF1rst are now starting to come back as casings (worn tyres) and are going through Bandvulc’s retreading operation and stringent inspections. BOTO casings are approved for specific Bandvulc products none of which reflects on its premium end market production. An added advantage is that the
introduction of new tyres into the supply stream helps to ease the pressure on shortage of suitable casings.
Fulda utilises German engineering and Goodyear technology to deliver a tyre that is widely accepted in its German
home market. With BVF1rst developing the brand in the UK customers are already seeing the benefit it brings. Fulda casings are then retreaded into a nominated range of Bandvulc tyres.