Bridgestone has upgraded its Lincolnshire retread factory with a multi-million pound investment and new tyre ranges.
The company has introduced a range of advanced retread solutions under the name 'Bandag Hotread,' which will be manufactured at its Bulldog plant in Bourne, Lincolnshire. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for retread tyres in the HGV, bus, and coach markets in the UK.
The investment includes the installation of state-of-the-art machinery at the Bulldog Factory, which will enhance Bridgestone's retread manufacturing processes. The focus will shift from cold-cure products to hot-cure products, aligning with customer demands.
In 2022, Bridgestone's Bulldog Factory recycled 520 tonnes of rubber dust and 4,400 tonnes of scrap tyres, resulting in substantial savings in terms of oil, rubber, steel, and CO2 emissions.
David Almazán, Bridgestone’s commercial business unit director, Bridgestone North Region, said: “There is a move towards the lowest total cost of ownership of product, combined with increasing awareness of the need for a more sustainable and circular economy where recycling is standard. Bridgestone is fully committed in this regard, which is why we have made such a significant expansion of our retread range.”
In addition to the manufacturing upgrades, Bridgestone operates a national casing collection service to ensure the swift collection of tyre casings from customers.
