10 Years of retread innovation: Continental celebrates Bandvulc acquisition anniversary

(Photo: Continental)

Continental Tyres is marking the tenth anniversary of its acquisition of UK retread specialist Bandvulc, highlighting a decade of technological expansion, workforce investment, and production milestones.

Since Continental acquired the business in July 2016, the Bandvulc portfolio has expanded significantly, including the launch of its latest Gen 5 commercial tyre range. Integration between the companies has driven major enhancements across Continental’s UK manufacturing facilities, most notably at its Ivybridge plant in Devon.

In 2023, the Ivybridge site was designated as one of Continental’s two European ContiLifeCycle facilities, establishing it as a regional innovation hub for hot retreading. Today, the facility manufactures both Bandvulc and ContiRe branded tyres for the UK and EMEA markets, producing over one million retreads over the past decade with a tyre rolling off the assembly line every three minutes.

Operational progress at the plant has been underpinned by ongoing capital investment in automation, custom robotics, and conveyor systems. These upgrades have improved production efficiency, workforce ergonomics, and safety standards while maintaining the site’s ISO 9001 quality accreditation.

The Ivybridge facility employs around 280 people across Devon and Cornwall, with 60 per cent of the workforce boasting over a decade of service. Beyond manufacturing, the site maintains active community programs, donating rubber crumb to local sports facilities and supporting regional emergency services and medical charities.

“It is a testament to the staff at Ivybridge that throughout the brand’s development, the core values of the team have never changed—pride, a dedication to excellence, and a tight-knit community,” said Tony Mailling, plant manager of ContiLifeCycle Ivybridge. “It has been an incredible decade of growth, and we look forward to further innovation and development in the future.”