RETREAD PLANT TOURS

Whether you are a fleet manager of a private sector or government fleet, an owner operator or simply someone who wants to learn more about retreading, a visit to a retread plant is an excellent way to learn about the advances in retreading in recent years.

Many people have a notion that retreading is a simple process of just replacing the old tread on a tire and that it is performed in a basic back alley type of plant. Nothing could be further from the truth these days. The retread industry has made giant strides in recent years and the modern equipment now routinely used in retread plants is light years from what you might have seen in the past.

With advances in retread technology, especially non-destructive testing equipment and computer controlled machinery now being routinely used in most retread plants, the retread process has become highly sophisticated and is responsible for producing a final product that can often provide more miles than the original new tire, and with an adjustment rate as low or even lower than comparable new tires. 

If you go, here are some of the things you should look for:

    o A clean overall appearance throughout the entire plant
    o Bright lighting in the inspection areas
    o Non-destructive testing machinery
    o A well equipped tire repair area
    o Modern tire building and curing equipment
    o Clean employee restrooms and eating areas. Employees who are treated with respect do the best work.
 
Also, DO NOT HESITATE to ask tough questions about anything you don’t understand. Any plant manager unwilling to answer your tough questions doesn't deserve your business. Ask about the adjustment rate, excluding road hazards, of the retreads produced in the plant. It should be on a par with new tires. And don’t be afraid to ask to see the back up data regarding the adjustment rate. A good retreader has nothing to hide and should gladly show  you what you want to see.

Always remember you are spending YOUR money, regardless of whether you represent a private fleet or a government agency. You should demand the best from your retreader. By demanding the best you will get the best, and on behalf of the retread industry we hope you will do just that.

A visit to a retread plant can help you to better understand the retread process and will make you a more informed buyer. This will translate into increased savings with less tire related downtime for your fleet. And that's a promise!

Finally, by taking the time to visit a retread plant, you can be assured that you are getting the best the retread industry has to offer. After all, if you don’t like what you see during your visit, you will want to go elsewhere. The competition is waiting for a chance to get your business. And the retreader who invited you in for a tour knows that. 

We will arrange a Tour of a Retread Plant in your area for your people to attend. TRIB believes that once they see exactly how a tire is retreaded they will come away with a new respect for retreads. This will translate into the additional use of retreaded tires for your fleets, which will make you compliant with the new Federal Executive Order 13149, Greening the Government Through Waste Prevention, and Recycling, which mandates the use of retreaded tires on Government vehicles. This will further result in your fleet saving money and helping the environment. It is a WIN-WIN EXPERIENCE.

These presentations are entirely non-commercial. There are no costs for this service.

If you would like help in arranging for a tour of a retread plant in your area, contact TRIB toll free from anywhere in North America 888-473-8732, or by email: info@retread.org.

See: "Understanding Retreading" on this web site for an idea of what you will see on a tour.

 

RETREAD SPEAKERS BUREAU & WORKSHOPS

Perhaps you would like to include a speaker from TRIB as an integral part of  the Tour of a Retread Plant. Again, no charge, and non-commercial.These presentations (workshops) include handout materials, 2 short videos and a question and answer session.  For more information or to schedule a tour, email your inquiry to info@retread.org or call us TOLL FREE at 888/473-8732.

Many fleet operators are not aware of what goes into the manufacture of quality retreaded tires. It is far more complex than most people imagine.

TRIB can furnish speakers for Government Fleet Meetings at the federal, state or local levels. We can also furnish speakers for Environmental groups, service clubs, private trucking companies and trucking associations. TRIB goes all over the country conducting workshops.

TRIB's presentations cover ALL aspects of Tire Retreading and Tire Repair. These presentations are entirely NON-COMMERCIAL.

THERE ARE NO COSTS FOR THIS SERVICE.