"This is a great deal for both companies combining the international strength of Pirelli with Vacu-Lug’s expertise in the UK Retread market. Pirelli has already taken a number of steps to grow its Truck and Fleet Business and this exciting partnership will both complement and reinforce our ability to provide first class products and services to the UK Fleets with Pirelli new truck tyres and Pirelli Novateck retreaded products"
Dominic Sandivasci, Pirelli UK Managing Director
Pirelli UK Tyres Ltd is joining forces with Vacu-Lug, the UK’s largest independent retread manufacturer, in a strategic alliance that will strengthen the position of both companies.
Production of the retread tyres will move from Pirelli to Vacu-Lug in Grantham. Vacu-Lug will maintain the Novateck brand and product offering, using the same unique Pirelli materials and patterns. Vacu-Lug will also be responsible for distributing the tyres throughout the UK.
Vacu-Lug places a strong emphasis on Fleet Management via its new VFM System and they will be working with Pirelli to provide the full range of fleet management services.
Under the new deal, Pirelli is set to close its factory at Burton-on-Trent following which its retread work will be carried out by Vacu-Lug. This should result in a 20 per cent increase in production at Grantham. Staffordshire staff will also be given preference for vacancies in the expanded Vacu-Lug operation.
Vacu-Lug managing director Tim Hercock said he is delighted to work with the Italian global brand.
The Pirelli brand will continue to be marketed by Vacu-Lug, and the company will also continue to make its Novateck brand. Distribution throughout the UK will also be Vacu-Lug's responsibility.
Vacu-Lug was formed in 1950 by American rubber technician Vaughan Rawls and Lew Morley. Mr Morley was the owner of North Road Garages and North Road Tyresoles Services at that time.
The advantages of re-treads
The company says that its retreaded tyres use less natural resources. A typical retread uses 85 litres less oil than the equivalent new tyre as well as reducing demand for energy and other petrochemicals according to Vacu-Lug.
In addition using retread tyres reduces the levels of waste and it is estimated that, with a retread policy, users can cut their tyre waste in half. All scrap casings and tyres are disposed through registered disposal agents approved by the Tyre Recovery Association. Wherever possible this waste is recycled.
Comments
Tim Hercock, Managing Director of Vacu-Lug, welcomed the opportunity to work with Pirelli as a partner.
“Pirelli has a fantastic name and this provides a real opportunity for us to work together to grow our fleet business. We will ensure customers continue to receive the excellent Novateck product whilst seeking new customers where our joint offering will be a match for any in the industry”.
Announcing the agreement, Pirelli UK Managing Director, Dominic Sandivasci, stated:
“This is a great deal for both companies combining the international strength of Pirelli with Vacu-Lug’s expertise in the UK Retread market. Pirelli has already taken a number of steps to grow its Truck and Fleet Business and this exciting partnership will both complement and
reinforce our ability to provide first class products and services to the UK Fleets with Pirelli new truck tyres and Pirelli Novateck retreaded products”.
Graham Hutchison, Pirelli’s Director of Truck Business UK, added
“Following on from the successful ‘Truck Technology In Revolution Day’ we remain committed to offering our fleet customers a complete package of quality new and retreaded tyres and this partnership with Vacu-Lug can only strengthen our continued growth in the marketplace.”