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Bridgestone backs Bandag Europe in push to modernise retreading sector
We spoke with Ben Rosenblum, Vice President of Bridgestone Bandag, about this strategic shift.
Ben Rosenblum
Vice President Bridgestone Bandag
Why invest in Bandag Europe now?
The European retread market is at a turning point following years of steady decline. After spending a year analysing market dynamics and speaking with fleets and tyre dealers, we saw a clear opportunity to better serve the market in a more cost-effective and sustainable way. Delivering on that promise requires more than just a good product—it demands a more efficient value chain and smarter technology, like our BASys tyre management platform.
Bridgestone and Bandag already serve many of the world’s largest fleets with these tools. We’re now bringing that expertise to Europe.
What’s new about the Bandag products coming out of Poland?
Moving production to our state-of-the-art TBR facility in Poland allows us to build retreads using the same advanced technologies found in our new tyres. That includes innovations like cap/base extrusion and more advanced mixing technologies, which previously weren’t feasible for retreads.
The result is a significant performance leap for the next generation of retreads —longer wear, better fuel efficiency, and retreads that more closely match the performance of our best new tyres.
BASys: digital tools tracking tyres from collection to retread to delivery
How is Bandag supporting fleets beyond tyres?
Along with Bridgestone’s Fleetcare team, we help build customised tyre programs; we learn about the fleet’s operations, measure performance, and implement continuous improvement programs, helping fleets buy fewer tyres and, ultimately, spend less money. This is how we build extremely loyal customers – by always getting better.
Key to that success is data. Are tyres being removed at the right time? Are casings tracked and reused effectively? To answer these questions, we’re investing in tools like BASys Global – already used to manage over seven million tyres worldwide – and drive-over tread readers that help optimise replacement timing.
What message does this send to European fleets and the industry?
Retreading is the cornerstone of the most successful tyre dealers and the most efficient fleet operations. With our new product and our proven model for helping fleets and dealers operate more efficiently, we will demonstrate that there is a smarter, more sustainable, and more cost-effective approach for managing fleet tyre programs.
Questions?
Contact BandagEU@Bridgestone.eu