Bridgestone Eyes Growth in Hot-Cure Retread Truck Tire Market Share

Bridgestone is embarking on a substantial investment endeavor of nearly £5 million in its retread tire factory located in Bourne, Lincolnshire, with the aim of bolstering its market share in the hot-cure retread truck tire segment. This three-year investment program has already yielded tangible results, with the installation of eight additional hot-cure presses. Additionally, the factory has welcomed the arrival of a new hot-cure rubber extruder, two buffing machines, and various other ancillary equipment as part of this initiative.

Bridgestone anticipates that this investment program will significantly augment the output of the Bourne facility. Currently producing 70,000 retreads annually, the factory has set its sights on increasing this figure to potentially 100,000 retreads per year within the next five years. Situated across three adjacent sites, the Bourne plant, which Bridgestone acquired in 2005, operates round-the-clock five days a week. As production escalates, the current workforce of 60 employees could potentially expand to 75.

Until recently, pre-cure retreads predominated the production schedule at the Bourne facility, constituting 60% of the tires manufactured onsite. However, in response to shifting market dynamics and evolving consumer preferences, Bridgestone has decided to pivot its focus towards hot-cure retreads, which command an overwhelming 80% share of the British truck retread market. Consequently, the proportion of pre-cure retreads in the factory's output has dwindled to 40%, with hot-cure retreads now taking precedence.

This strategic shift underscores Bridgestone's commitment to aligning its production with prevailing market trends and meeting the evolving needs of its customers. While Bridgestone's acquisition of the US-based retreader Bandag in 2009 introduced a strong emphasis on pre-cure retreads, the company has recognized the imperative to adapt its strategy to the unique demands of the UK market. As a result, the Bourne facility is now poised to introduce seventeen new hot-cure variants under the Bandag Hotread banner, with eight variants already available and the remaining set to be introduced over the course of the year.

The Bandag Hotread lineup introduces several new offerings, including the M-Drive 001 drive-axle tire available in 295/80 R22.5 and 315/80 R22.5 sizes, as well as the R-Trailer 002 trailer tire offered in 385/65 R22.5 size.

In the pre-cure method, pre-formed treads supplied in 10m-long rolls from a Bridgestone plant in Belgium are affixed to casings using an extruder/builder. Subsequently, the tire is enveloped in a rubber bag, all air is removed from the bag, and the tire is subjected to curing in an oven at 115 degrees Celsius for a duration of four hours. Conversely, in the hot-cure process, fresh rubber is applied to the circumference of the casing, which is then placed in a press to mold the tread pattern. This process is carried out at a temperature of 155 degrees Celsius for up to 90 minutes.

Bridgestone, still utilizing the Bulldog name, highlights its significant environmental contributions. In 2022 alone, the Bourne facility recycled 4,400 tonnes of scrap tires and 520 tonnes of rubber dust, resulting in substantial savings, including four million liters of oil, 2,000 tonnes of rubber, 900 tonnes of steel, and nearly 4,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions compared to the equivalent production of new tires, as claimed by the manufacturer.

Furthermore, the Bourne factory's new machinery not only enhances productivity but also demonstrates greater energy efficiency. Bridgestone reports that the buffers consume 25% less energy, the presses 15% less, and the rubber extruder 10% less.

Bridgestone emphasizes its commitment to sustainable natural rubber production in Southeast Asia and West Africa, underlining its dedication to environmentally responsible practices.