Handling Scrap Tires Every Step of the Way

Transcription

volume 6 / Number 3 / june
2009 / $4,95
www.autosphere.ca
PM 40014105
Western Rubber Group
Handling Scrap Tires
Every Step of the Way
Mike Roberge
DUELER H/T (D684 II)






LIGHT TRUCK
Highway All-Season light truck and SUV tire
Symmetric independent block tread design
Its tread blocks and all-season tread compound were developed to
provide traction on dry, wet and light snow-covered roads
Twin steel belts to stabilize the tread area and a polyester cord body
to help cushion the ride.
Uni-T Technology
100,000 Kilometer Treadwear Limited Warranty
Limited Treadwear Warranty
Limited duration replacement with comparable new Bridgestone tire at pro-rated cost if
warranted kilometers not attained; actual tread life may vary. Certain limitations and
restrictions apply. See authorised retailer for full warranty details before you purchase.
IDEAL FITMENTS FOR:
Chevrolet Ford Honda Mazda Saturn
Dodge GM Hyundai Nissan Toyota
CAR DEALERS:
Purchase via your Car Manufacturer / Bridgestone National Account Programs
where applicable.
TIRE DEALERS:
Competitive prices on direct billing.
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT & RUN-FLAT TIRES:
We maintain a large and comprehensive inventory to meet all your requirements.
NATIONWIDE SERVICE:
Competitive shipping across Canada. E-mail us for our freight policy and toll free
contact numbers.
B2B WEBSITE - VIEW INVENTORY AND PLACE ORDERS:
Visit www.tiredistribution.com and register today.
Atlas Tire Wholesale Inc.
SAMPLE SIZES
LT245/75R16
P215/70R16
P235/70R16
245/70R16
265/70R16
P235/65R16
235/60R16
P265/70R17
P265/65R17
P235/60R17
P255/70R18
P265/65R18
P275/65R18
P235/60R18
P285/60R18
120/116RE
99S
104T
106S
111S
101S
100H
113S
110S
100S
112T
112S
114T
102H
114V
Additional Sizes Available
YOUR SOURCE FOR BRIDGESTONE TIRES
6290 SHAWSON DRIVE
MISSISSAUGA, ON L5T 1H5
TEL (905) 670-9791
FAX (905) 670-0581
140 McLEVIN AVE., # 6 & 7
SCARBOROUGH, ON M1B 3V1
TEL (416) 292-8202
FAX (416) 292-8177
[email protected]
www.tiredistribution.com
Contents
C O V E R ST O R Y
June 2009
14 16
24
f e at u r e s
10
Coming to Ontario
Duret & Landry Expands
12
Be Informed!
Nitrogen Tire Inflation
14
Western Rubber Group: Handling Scrap Tires Every Step of the Way
Focusing on Efficiency Fosters Success for B.C.’s Largest Tire Recycler
22
Tirecraft: Stronger Than Ever and Growing Quickly
Unwavering Entrepreneurial Spirit Drives the Brand to Success
24
TPMS: It’s Here, and It’s Still a Challenge
Tools and Education Top Our Experts’ Lists
26
Economic Downturn
Survival Tips
27
Another MRT Plant in North America
Pneus Bélisle Opens a New Retread Plant in Quebec
28
Inventory Management—Know It, Track It, Sell It
Don’t Be Stuck With Cash on Your Shelf
29
Management
The Challenge of Change
30
Product Life Cycle
Starting at the End
regulars
4
6
Editorial
Good News!
Industry News
8, 9
New Products
14, 15, 16, 17
Tire Recycling
18, 19, 20, 21
Commercial Tires
29
Advertisers
| www.autosphere.ca | June 2009 | Tire News |
3
editorial
Economic good news
I’ve been speaking with businesspeople from
a variety of industries and the consensus
seems to be that we’re seeing new life being
breathed into our economy. Some have said
that it feels like a switch has been flipped,
creating a sudden surge in the demand for
their goods and services for the first time in
Copy Editor
Shirley Brown [email protected]
Although this good economic news is to a
Production
Olivier Rhême [email protected]
Valérie St-Cyr [email protected]
nomic data such as a decrease in the net
The past few months may have
been grim, but there’s hope in
the air fueled by a steady
stream of good news.
T
loss of jobs in Canada (latest reports actually
show that we’re creating jobs in Canada),
an increase in the number of resale homes,
and a slowdown in the decrease in consumer
spending in the U.S.—the economic engine of
the world.
You’ve probably also noticed that stock mar-
Our planet and our environment have
their way out of the red.
suffered greatly within the last hundred years
I’m not saying that we’ve recovered from the
economic slump and that the future is rosy,
The good news is that now, more than ever,
but good news like this is nice to hear, and
businesses, governments, and individuals are
it’s certainly better than the gloom and doom
getting into the spirit. Green is in, and it looks
that’s been in the news in recent history.
like there’s no turning back. That’s certainly
If you’d like to see the news getting even better, I challenge you, as a business owner and
consumer to make it happen. Start investing
Ontario has finally joined the rest of the country
in your business and in yourself. The worst is
with a tire stewardship program, scheduled to
hopefully behind us, and the time has come
come online later this year. According to the plan,
to ramp up for increased activity in the com-
both on-road and off-road tires will be diverted
ing months. That is certainly good news.
away from burning and landfills to be reused and
recycled into tire derived products such as under-
For more great news, be sure to log onto
the-hood automotive products, flooring, sports
Canada’s only comprehensive automotive
fields, play and construction-related equipment
business portal: www.autosphere.ca.
and materials. That’s good news.
12 million tires sold in Ontario annually and
includes an aggressive three-year plan to
4
| Tire News | June 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
Luc Champagne
514-945-1299
[email protected]
Subscription
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Published by
Publications Rousseau
2938, terrasse Abénaquis
Longueuil QC, J4M 2B3
T: 450-448-2220
F: 450-448-1041
[email protected]
www.autosphere.ca
Tire News Magazine is dedicated to serving the business
interests of the Canadian tire industry. It is published seven
times a year by Publications Rousseau & Associés Inc., a
member of AIA Canada.
Material in Tire News Magazine may not be reproduced in
any form without written consent from the publisher. The
publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising and
disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements made
by its advertisers or independent columnists. All facts,
opinions and statements appearing within this publication
are those of the writers and editors themselves, and are
in no way to be construed as statements, positions or
endorsements by Publications Rousseau & Associés Inc.
Publications Mail Agreement 40014105. Return
undelivrable Canadian addresses to Publications
Rousseau / Circulation Department, 2938 terrasse
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ISSN 1710-4211
PRINTED IN CANADA
The program promises to manage the over
across Ontario.
[email protected]
Réjean A. Rousseau
450-649-9007
and investment portfolios are starting to claw
eliminate the over 2.8 million stockpiled tires
Advertising
Nathalie Plouffe
416-925-5665
creeping upward at a somewhat steady pace.
The bottom seems to have come and gone
Ontario’s good news
Administration
Wendy Allain [email protected]
Danielle Boivin [email protected]
[email protected]
has reached a crescendo in recent years.
good news.
Circulation Manager
Nancy Belleville [email protected]
kets are steadily improving with the index
he need to recycle and reduce our waste
or so, and it’s time to make changes.
Contributing Editors
François Charron, Éric Descarries,
Jack Kazmierski, Jil McIntosh
many months.
large extent anecdotal, it is backed by eco-
Good News!
Publisher
Rémy L. Rousseau
Rémy L. Rousseau
[email protected]
Industry News
California shops now
required to check
tire pressure
Ontario Environment
Minister Approves Used
Tire Plan
California’s Air Resources Board (ARB) has
adopted a regulation that will require automotive maintenance facilities in the state
to check the tire pressure of every vehicle
they service.
Effective July 1, 2010, the ruling will
affect about 40,000 service providers, including smog check stations, engine repair
facilities, and oil service providers. It does
not include car washes, body and paint facilities, or glass repair businesses.
The ruling is part of the Global Warming
Solutions Act, signed in 2006, which requires the ARB to implement strategies to
reduce the state’s greenhouse gas contributions. The new measure has been regulated
partly to address older vehicles that don’t
have TPMS, which was mandated in the U.S.
for all new vehicles beginning September 1,
2007.
The Ontario Minister of the Environment, the
Honorable John Gerretsen, put the stamp of approval on the Ontario Used Tire Program Plan.
The Used Tire Program Plan will implement
a managed scrap tire solution for On-road/
Off-road tires supplied into the Ontario market,
diverting these tires away from burning and
landfills to 3R’s processing that will see them
reused and recycled into tire derived products
(TDPs) such as under-the-hood automotive
products, flooring, sports fields, play ground
surfaces, and construction-related equipment
and materials.
The program will manage all 12 million tires
sold in Ontario annually, and will track the
tires from collection at over 10,000 points
across the province to their sale as tire-derived
products. It includes an aggressive 3-year plan
to eliminate the approximately 2.8 million
stockpiled tires in 90 sites across Ontario.
Glenn Maidment, president of the Ontario Tire
Stewardship (OTS) Board, said they were very
pleased with the decision to use the program
plan. He added, “In approving the Plan, the Minister facilitates significant investment in Ontario
businesses handling used tires in environmentally-beneficial ways, creating jobs and a green
economy for future generations of Ontarians.”
The program will inject over $22 million into
the Ontario-based scrap tire processing industry in the first year, supporting Ontario-based
processors as they invest in their businesses
to increase capacity, adopt new scrap tire processing technologies, and create new “green”
jobs in the Province.
This fall, the 18th International Equip Auto
aftermarket tradeshow, which occurs every
two years, will take place at the Parc des
expositions Paris-Nord. More than 2,000 exhibitors will display parts, accessories, tools,
and state-of-the-art maintenance equipment
for all vehicle makes and models. Conferences and meetings on new technologies will
also be offered to automotive service and
autobody professionals, distributors, dealers,
and fleet managers. www.equipauto.com
The WCTD Has Moved!
Since May 1, WCTD’s new address is 948
Jim Common Drive N., Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8H 1Y3. Created in 1962, Western
Canada Tire Dealers gathers more than 950
tire dealers throughout British Columbia,
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, western
Ontario, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. www.wctd.ca
Erratum
On page 10 of the April issue 2009, you
should have read that the Michelin Harmony
tire is an all season tire, not a summer tire.
6
NAPA will not only be sponsoring the
NASCAR Nationwide race in Montreal next
August, it will also be involved with the NAPA
5000 Rally that will start on August 13 in
Calgary and end in Montreal on August 26
as part of the NASCAR race festivities. Five
teams of chosen mechanics, each representing a Canadian region (B.C., Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and Maritimes), will cover some
5,000 km while stopping at specific places
to go through mechanical tests on chosen
cars. The winning team will get a $15,000
Grand Prize. Registration for the contest can
be found at www.rallynapa5000.ca.
Europe Closer to
New Tire Labels
Legislation that would require new labels
on all tires sold in the European Union has
been backed by the European Parliament and
will go to voting by the member states. If approved, labels will be required by November
2012, indicating the tire’s fuel economy, wet
grip and noise emissions.
A fuel-efficiency classification will rate performance from A for best, to G for worst.
There is also an obligation for suppliers to
provide a fuel savings calculator on their websites for consumers. A “low-noise mark” of a
tire wearing earmuffs will appear if rolling
noise is kept below a certain decibel level.
European tire manufacturers have asked
for unified measures, which would apply
to passenger car and light- and heavy-duty
tires. The European Commission will also set
specific requirements for winter tires, and
stipulates that Member States may only provide incentives for tires ranked at least “Class
C” on fuel efficiency and wet grip.
Pirelli and Michelin
to Equip the Porsche
Panamera
The new Panamera sports sedan by Porsche
will come equipped with Pirelli and Michelin
performance tires. The base model of this exotic
automobile, which will go on sale next fall, will
come with Pirelli PZero 245/50ZR18 up front
and 275/45ZR18 at the rear. Pirelli also announced that 255/45ZR19 and 285/40ZR19
sizes are under development. The top-of-theline Turbo version of the Panamera will come
with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer tires,
255/45ZR19 at the front and 285/ZR40 at the
rear. An optional set of Michelins will be available with 255/40ZR20 front and 295/35ZR20
at the rear. Porsche also approved Michelin Pilot
Alpin PA3 winter radial for the 19-inch wheels
while it has chosen Pirelli’s Winter240 Sottozero
Serie II for the 18- and 20-inch wheels.
photo: Guillaume Descarries
Equip Auto 2009
The NAPA 5000 Rally
New Products
Dunlop Introduces Five New Products
Dunlop, a division of Goodyear, is launching five new products. These new tires were first
unveiled at the SEMA show last November—they are…
• The SP Sport Signature all-season performance tire with Hydro-Paddle technology available in 26 sizes for wheels from 15 to 20 inches, from 65 to 35 aspect ratio;
• The Signature CS, a performance tire designed for crossover vehicles available in 11
sizes for wheels from 16 to 18 inches in the 70 to 55 aspect ratio;
• The high performance SP Sport Maxx TT, featuring DuPont Kevlar reinforced sidewalls in
35 sizes for wheels from 16 to 22 inches in the 55 to 35 ratios;
• The SP Sport Maxx GT ultra-high performance, available in 14 sizes for wheels from 17
to 19 inches in the 45 to 30 aspect ratio;
• The Rover M/T Maxx Traction on- and off-road tire for light trucks and SUVs, available
in 17 sizes for wheels from 16 to 22 inches; these new Rovers feature the Multi-Pitch
Tread Design.
Nitrogen Tire Inflator
The new NitroFill E-170 is a mobile allin-one generator/inflator that’s fast and easy
to use. It has advanced PSA technology—no
membrane, no tank, no battery or charger, no
other equipment is required.
It’s the perfect unit for almost every application and has an amazing 8 CFM rating. It converts up to 6 tires to NitroFill simultaneously
at the touch of a button. It provides instant
and uninterrupted flow with guaranteed purity
up to 99.9%. Each unit comes fully assembled—just plug it in!
For more information, contact Wayward
Tools by phone: 705-359-1508 or www.waywardtools.com, [email protected].
TPMS Repair Kit
You need to be able to repair tire pressure
monitoring systems, as many vehicles have
it and more will follow. These systems fail
because of valve leaks, seal leaks, because
the battery in the sensor dies, or the valve
core snaps off.
These kits are important because the valve
stem type TPMS sensors require installation
of new hardware whenever a tire is changed.
You lose the ability to service a wheel if you
do not have the kits in stock.
The kit contains a new seal; seal washer;
valve nut; valve cap and nickel-plated core.
Call your Dorman representative at 416-5219979, email [email protected]
or go to www.dormanproducts.com.
SignatureSignature CS
Maxx GT
Rover M/T Maxx Traction
Toyo Introduces
Two Proxes Tires
Dunlop Unveils
a New Winter Tire
The Canadian division of Toyo Tire has unveiled two new Proxes tires:
• The extreme performance R1R for sports
coupes and sedans. Recognizable by
its large footprint, this tire will provide
great handling. Note the dynamic arrowhead tread pattern for water drainage
and performance on wet pavement. This
product will be offered in sizes fitting
15- to 18-inch diameter wheels.
It’s not winter yet, but Dunlop is planning
ahead by unveiling a new winter tire for the
2009-2010 season—the Graspic DS-3. Featuring silica based fibre tread and Miurashaped sipings, the new Graspic DS-3 will
be available in 35 sizes for 13- to 18-inch
wheels in the 70 to 50 series, all with Q
speed rating.
• The Proxes ST II, a high performance
SUV, sport truck, and crossover tire
recognizable by its directional tread
pattern featuring a five variable-pitch
shoulder for reduced noise emission.
This tire will be available in V, W and
Y speed ratings for 16- to 26-inch
wheels.
Proxes R1R
Proxes ST II
8
Maxx TT
Graspic DS-3
Yokohama’s ADVAN Neova
AD08 Hits the Market
The ADVAN Neova AD08 is an updated
version of Yokohama’s ADVAN Neova AD07,
known since 2006 as “the fastest street tire.”
The all-new ADVAN AD08, available in 32 sizes ranging from 15 to 19 inches, is designed
for a variety of premium sports
cars and sedans, including
Porsche, Mercedes-Benz,
BMW, Lexus, and others.
Extensive testing reveals
the Neova AD08’s distinct advancements in
four key areas: dry grip,
wet grip, ride comfort,
and noise level.
Do you want to see a Run-flat tire
mounted and dismounted in
1 minute 46?
Come see our promotional
video on our new website,
www.duretlandry.com.
TPM Electronic Torque Wrench
The new OTC TPM Electronic Torque Wrench designed specifically
for use on TPM sensor nuts, will cover torque requirements from 10120 inch-pounds. Current TPM sensor nut torque requirements range
from 12-106 inch-pounds and conventional torque wrenches don’t
cover this range in a single wrench.
Other key features designed specifically for TPM sensor applications
include slide bar for quickly setting the torque requirements, indexing
head for spinning the nut down easily, and flashing LED light with
audible beep when torque limit has been met. Specifically designed
to torque TPMS sensors to specification, this 1/4-inch drive wrench
features an indexing head for use in any position. The indexing head
allows for use straight to spin nut down quickly, then rotates to 90°
position for torque and leverage. 1-800-533-6127 / www.otctools.
com
ARTIGLIO 50
Hankook Expanding
I*Pike RW11 Winter Tire Sizes
Hankook Tire Canada Corp. is introducing 26 additional tire sizes
for its I*Pike RW11 winter tire—including 12 new LT
Metric winter tire sizes—to offer a more complete
line of LT-metric winter tire sizes.
The line was picked for expansion in response
to a recent increase in demand for both P-Metric
and LT-Metric winter tires in North America. According to the RAC, the market has seen a huge
growth in year-to-year sales in 2008 of more
than 50% percent.
The I*Pike RW11, Hankook’s newest high performance studdable winter SUV and Light Truck
tire, is now available in 37 different sizes ranging
from 13 to 20 inches in diameter. I*Pike RW11
embodies Hankook’s Kontrol Technology to provide
enhanced benefits to customers by applying the highest standards of quality in terms of safety, comfort, performance handling and environmental friendliness.
CORGHI invests in
TECHNOLOGY,
Duret & Landry
invests in service!
Award Winning OTC Tool Kit
Named one of the Top Five 2009 Aftermarket Products by the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Journal in USA, the OTC 5195
Wheel Stud Installer/Remover Kit was selected because of its innovative design and
ease of use. The tool will save you time and
money while allowing shop technicians to
quickly and effortlessly remove and install
wheel studs, calipers, or axles on virtually any Class 7 or 8 heavy
vehicle wheel hub. www.otctools.com
Importer of CORGHI products in Canada
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE
CONTACT MR. ERIC LANDRY
800-663-0814
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Coming to Ontario
Duret & Landry Expands
Duret & Landry is a very respected name in Quebec’s tire industry. For years, it has been providing local tire businesses with some of the best tire changing machines in the world, Italian
Corghi products, of which it is the exclusive Canadian distributor. Duret & Landry also has a
good market base in Western Canada. But for some reason, the market in Ontario seems to
have bypassed Duret & Landry’s services.
A mobile unit
Beginning this summer, this Laval-based
organisation will have its own mobile unit
on Ontario roads. Tire businesses will
thus be able to get to know more about
the Corghi products distributed by Duret
& Landry.
Corghi expert Thierry Lefebvre, a knowledgeable bilingual Duret & Landry
Sales manager, will be travelling through
Ontario with his Dodge Sprinter mobile
unit demonstrating the unique capabilities
of the Corghi Artiglio 50 unit and other
related products. Tire businesses interested in the tire changing machine can
witness how quickly it works on www.auto-
Expect to see an incredible demonstration of the Corghi
Artiglio 50 tire changing machine by Lefebvre.
sphere.ca in the French section, under
the “Pneumatique” tab. According to Vice
President Eric Landry, it will take 1:46
Duret & Landry’s people are well aware that
minutes to change a run-flat tire with the
Ontario does not go through a similar tire
Artiglio 50 while it might take more than
rush as Quebec tire dealers do in fall when
5 or 6 minutes to do so with a regular tire
the time comes to switch to winter tires. Yet,
changing machine… if it can even handle
with so many cars requiring a professional
the job!
service in Canada’s most populated province, the tire equipment supplier knows very
But why a mobile unit instead of a fixed
well what kind of help is needed.
address unit? “A mobile unit is the key to
success,” points out Landry. “Tire business
Thierry Lefebvre is Duret & Landry’s new
Ontario Sales manager.
& Landry’s Sprinter very soon in your area.
wheel and tire without any effort from the
works. But be prepared—you may never
technician and without any damage to the
have seen such a great machine before.
wheel or the tire. Bars are not even neces-
Lefebvre can be reached at 416-902-
The Corghi Artiglio 50 is a sophisticated
sary! But it will do the job faster, safer,
5663 or [email protected].
yet rugged piece of equipment made to
and better than any other competitive
handle just about any size and shape of
machine.
to travel to see how a machine works. We
have to go to them!”
A unique machine
10
Ontario tire dealers—expect to see Duret
Lefebvre will show you how the Artiglio 50
www.duretlandry.com
Photos: Éric Descarries
people do not necessarily have the time
Be Informed!
Nitrogen Tire Inflation
What reasons can one put forward to convince a client to inflate his tires with Nitrogen
instead of air? Environmental protection? Fuel savings? Longer-lasting tires? The benefits
of using Nitrogen are many, as you will see.
True or False
Pilot Project
In 2006, a pilot project funded by Transport Canada showed that inflating truck tires with
Nitrogen resulted in a 4 to 6% fuel economy and extended tire life (see figures below).
1- Unlike air, Nitrogen does not compress in
cold weather.
q True
Figure 1
q FALSE
2- Major tire manufacturers unanimously
Fuel consumption
recommend the use of Nitrogen.
q True
q FALSE
3- Nitrogen molecules are bigger than air
molecules, which reduces the risks of
pressure loss by permeability.
q True
q FALSE
4- It is not necessary to check tire pressure
regularly if it is inflated with Nitrogen.
q True
Figure 2
q FALSE
5- Nitrogen can only be purchased in gas
bottles.
Actual tire wear (new and retread casings)
q True
q FALSE
5- False: Several manufacturers offer devices that generate
Nitrogen at will using the air from the compressor.
4- False: It is imperative to measure tire pressure at least
once a month.
3- True
2- False: Yokohama recommends it, Michelin is sceptical,
and Bridgestone considers the product acceptable.
1- True: No matter the weather, the tire pressure remains
the same.
François Charron
[email protected]
Did you know…?
• Air is made up of 78% Nitrogen, a
non-flammable inert gas.
• With Nitrogen, inflation pressure is
more stable and leaks are minimal or
less common.
• Race car drivers as well as the trucking
and aviation industries have been
using Nitrogen for a long time.
• Current inflation techniques only allow
a 95% rate of Nitrogen inside the tire,
because a small quantity of air always
• Nitrogen reduces moisture inside the
tire and the risks of bursting caused by
overheating.
12
remains trapped in it.
Relevant web site
www.getnitrogen.org
This site contains the findings of studies
describing the benefits of using Nitrogen,
testimonies, documents to help you assess
the relevance of this technology, a search
tool to locate the nearest Nitrogen retailer,
and much more.
POTENZA G019 GRID All Season Performance
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
Silica to boost wet grip
Wider footprint to improve cornering
Advanced directional tread pattern for rapid water evacuation
Sophisticated and sporty looks
Veri-pitch design for a quiet ride
Uni-T Technology
80,000 Kilometer Treadwear Limited Warranty
Limited Treadwear Warranty
Limited duration replacement with comparable new Bridgestone tire at pro-rated cost if
warranted kilometers not attained; actual tread life may vary. Certain limitations and
restrictions apply. See authorised retailer for full warranty details before you purchase.
IDEAL FITMENT FOR:
Subaru
Acura
Mazda
Honda
Nissan
Toyota
CAR DEALERS:
Purchase via your Car Manufacturer / Bridgestone National Account Programs
TIRE DEALERS:
Competitive prices on direct billing.
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT & RUN-FLAT TIRES:
We maintain a large and comprehensive inventory to meet all your requirements.
NATIONWIDE SERVICE:
Competitive shipping across Canada. E-mail us for our freight policy and toll free
contact numbers.
B2B WEBSITE - VIEW INVENTORY AND PLACE ORDERS:
Visit www.tiredistribution.com and register today.
Atlas Tire Wholesale Inc.
S A M P LE S IZ ES
P 1 8 5 /6 5 R 1 5
86H
P 1 9 5 /6 5 R 1 5
89H
P 2 0 5 /6 5 R 1 5
92H
P 1 9 5 /6 0 R 1 5
87H
P 2 0 5 /6 0 R 1 5
90H
P 2 0 5 /6 0 R 1 6
91H
P 2 0 5 /6 0 R 1 6
91V
P 2 1 5 /6 0 R 1 6
94V
2 0 5 /5 5 R 1 6
91H
2 1 5 /5 5 R 1 7
94V
2 0 5 /5 0 R 1 7
89V
2 1 5 /5 0 R 1 7 X L 9 5 V
2 2 5 /5 0 R 1 7
94V
2 0 5 /4 5 R 1 7
84V
2 1 5 /4 5 R 1 7 X L 9 1 H
2 2 5 /4 5 R 1 7
91H
2 3 5 /4 5 R 1 7
94H
Additional Sizes Available
YOUR SOURCE FOR BRIDGESTONE
WEST
EAST
6290 SHAWSON DRIVE
MISSISSAUGA, ON L5T 1H5
140 McLEVIN AVE., # 6 & 7
SCARBOROUGH, ON M1B 3V1
TEL (905) 670-9791
FAX (905) 670-0581
TEL (416) 292-8202
FAX (416) 292-8177
[email protected]
www.tiredistribution.com
SPECIAL
TIRE RECYCLING
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Western Rubber Group: Handling Scrap Tires Every Step of the Way
Focusing on Efficiency Fosters Success
for B.C.’s Largest Tire Recycler
When it comes to the tire industry, many “success stories” start with someone who grew up in
the business. But Mike Roberge, president of Western Rubber Group in Delta, B.C.,
had only the experience of the tires on his car when he started what is now the
largest tire recycling conglomerate in the province.
“
I
was a forest fire firebombing pilot,”
was I wrong. It was really expensive, but
transporters under contract,” Roberge
he says. “I only worked during the
it’s been a great business, and more than
says. “From there, it goes to Pacific
summer, and I was looking for some-
exceeded any expectations.”
Shredding Ltd., which is part of our group.
thing to do. It was time to grow up
Pacific Shredding feeds Western Rubber
and be responsible and put the kids in
From start to finish
school, and I wanted to get into a busi-
For the last two years, scrap tires in
lating equipment. It makes the coarse
ness. In 1989, I was at a trade show and
B.C. have been handled through an
crumb and sells some to customers, but
saw a little pile of rubber at a booth. It
industry-lead strategy managed by Tire
the vast majority goes to Delta Fine Grind
was from a mat manufacturer, and the
Stewardship BC (TSBC), a responsibility
Company—which is ours, too—and it takes
company was looking for suppliers of
it took over from the province. Western
the coarse crumb into fine grind.
buffed rubber.
Rubber Group is the dominant recycler
Products Ltd. with feedstock for its granu-
in British Columbia, from collecting the
“That’s then sold to different industries,
“I had no experience with tires or rub-
tires and shredding them, to produ-
although we do make a pasture mat for a
ber, but it looked like a sound business,
cing crumb and even some consumer
company in Ontario, and our own blast-
and I thought it was an opportunity to
products.
ing mats for construction. We also own
Island Tire Recycling in Chemainus on
get into something that wasn’t already
established. I thought it was less expen-
“We own our own trucks, and collect 65
Vancouver Island, and it shreds all of the
sive being in on the ground floor, and boy,
percent of tires, with the rest through other
passenger and light truck tires generated
on Vancouver Island.”
Meeting the capture rate
About a quarter of tires collected go to
tire-derived fuel for cement kilns and
pulp and paper in B.C., while the steel
and the fibre is used for fuel at Lafarge
Cement. Roberge says that Western
Rubber has met the TSBC’s capture rate
for scrap tires for two years in a row now.
The group employs about 100 workers
overall.
No settling for the status quo
Covering so many steps of the process
is a huge undertaking, but Roberge says
14
Photos: Aaron Tam – [email protected]
from the tires goes to a steel recycler,
Mike Roberge, president of Western Rubber Group
that focusing on efficiency and keeping
“There was a lot of distrust when TSBC
the customers happy is paramount. “It’s in
first started off, because when it was a
buying the right equipment and making it
government-run program, they just did
Mike Hennessy, executive director of
work properly, by setting up a system that
what they wanted and didn’t listen to the
TSBC, is also pleased with how everything
covers everything, from work safety, to hir-
recyclers. When we took over, there was
runs. “All the tires get picked up, the con-
ing and training, to preventative mainten-
the feeling that TSBC would be the same
sumers who are paying the eco fee appear
ance. You can’t settle for the status quo,
as the government was. But in the two
to be getting value for their money, and
and we work really hard at that. I can be
years we’ve had the program, we’ve def-
the job gets done,” he says. “There are no
a tough guy to work for, but I feel most of
initely built up a good rapport with them
complaints from retailers, and that’s the
the guys enjoy working with me, because I
and there’s trust on both sides. They’re in
acid test, which is why we’re satisfied with
challenge them all the time, and then I let
to make a dollar, we’re in to manage the
Western. One of the keys to their success
them go and do it. I don’t micromanage,
program at the lowest possible cost, and
is their determination; they’re assertive
but I’m involved. I always meet with my
we’ve been able so far to work together
and aggressive, and that’s why they’re
managers and discuss new ways, better
to that end.”
alive and thriving.”
Huge opportunities
Keeping tires in B.C.
Roberge is also happy with the new sys-
But while it’s essential that Western
Don Blythe, chairman of TSBC, agrees
tem. “If you’re going to sell something in
Rubber Group thrives, Roberge is also
that Roberge’s determination plays a
this province and make money on it, you’re
genuinely concerned with both the en-
major role in his success. “I have to say
going to take responsibility for getting rid
vironmental and fiscal health of his prov-
that he has a fiery temper, but he cer-
of it, and that creates huge opportunities in
ince; he spends a great deal of time at
tainly is good to deal with because you
recycling,” he says. “That’s how TSBC came
conferences and keeps in touch with other
know where you stand with him, and he
into effect. They accepted the responsibil-
industries, always looking for new uses
certainly knows the business and all his
ity, the solution was there, and they just
and markets for recycled rubber. “The ul-
customers out there,” he says. “I think
took over from the Ministry. That works for
timate goal for us, and for the tire board,
he knows more about what’s going on in
us, because you’re dealing with business
is to try and get every tire that’s generated
recycling throughout North America than
people, not with bureaucrats. They’re busi-
in B.C. turned into a finished product in
anyone in Canada, and probably anybody
ness people like us, so it’s a lot easier to
B.C., and preferably used in B.C.,” he says.
in the U.S.
communicate and get things happening.”
“That’s a huge undertaking, but we’re
ways, or any problems.”
Determination breeds success
up for it. Ideally, any scrap that’s generated in a jurisdiction should be recycled
in that jurisdiction. You won’t get there
right away, but we got to where we are by
thinking that way, and you always need
something to strive for. I don’t ever want
to hear ‘it can’t be done.’ You just find a
way to make it work.”
15
SPECIAL
TIRE RECYCLING
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Ontario Tire Stewardship: The Program Is Now in Place
Environmental Fees Take Effect
in September 2009
Following legislation passed in February, Ontario now has a comprehensive plan for scrap tires:
the Ontario Tire Stewardship, or OTS. The plan will take effect September 1, 2009; the specifics can be downloaded from www.ontariotirestewardship.com.
T
he program hasn’t fundamentally
changed from what was originally presented to the government,
according to Andrew Horsman, Interim
Executive Director of OTS. “We’re in the
we’re going to work with the existing haulers, processors, and collectors of used
Consumer concerns
Antoine Thompson said that U.S. firms
tires in the province,” he says. “One of
While he is enthusiastic about the pro-
will close and jobs will be lost due to what
the prime missions is to enhance those
gram, as a retailer, he echoes the con-
he calls an “unfair subsidy” through the
existing businesses and industry, so that it
cerns of many dealers when it comes
environmental fee.
can process 100% of the used tires gener-
to the consumer. “Across the province,
ated in Ontario. Right now we’re probably
there’s an average of between $2 to $3
But Horsman says that OTS has met with
handling anywhere in the realm of 65 to
for the (current) tire disposal fee, so con-
a variety of stakeholders, including in the
75% of tires being processed in Ontario,
sumers are going to jump from that aver-
U.S., and that the incentive isn’t meant
with the balance going to the States or
age to $5.84, and that’s always a concern
to subsidize crumb, but to help proces-
Quebec.”
when there’s an increase. I also think that,
sors increase their capacity. “Whether
as a tire dealer and also OTS, we’re going
it’s crumb or shred, we’re going to mon-
to have to keep an eye on the borders,
itor the impact, and work with our pro-
Under the program, brand owners and
particularly if the dollar goes up to par
cessors to stay on the right side of inter-
first importers must register as stewards,
again. When you look at the GST, PST, tire
national trade laws while helping them
and remit a fee of $5.84 to OTS for every
disposal fee, and traditionally it’s a known
to grow their business,” he says. “The
passenger tire supplied. It’s an environ-
fact that tires in the U.S. are anywhere
mission is to work with Ontario-based
mental fee, not a tax, stresses Eric Gilbert,
from 12 to 18% cheaper, you put all those
businesses to manage 100% of those
president and owner of Ericway Tire Sales,
things together, and it certainly makes it
tires, but we’re not saying we’re only
and a director on the OTS board repre-
attractive for cross-border shopping.”
going to work with existing businesses,
Not a tax
senting OTDA. As such, he says, it will
16
so there is a commercial opportunity for
be up to each company and retailer to
Ontario-based businesses
decide how to pass the fee along, whether
The U.S. has also been in the picture
expectation is that this will happen and
included in the price of the tire, or as a
as American processors, accustomed to
that will be a good thing for the Ontario
separate line on the invoice. The only im-
using Ontario tires as feedstock, now face
economy.”
perative is that the fee is remitted to OTS
an end to their supply. In an article in the
by the steward.
Toronto Star, New York State Senator
new businesses to set up in Ontario. Our
www.ontariotirestewardship.com
Photos: Marie-Josée Rousseau
business of running the program, and
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Tire Stewardship Manitoba
New incentives drive timely,
effective collection.
It’s time for a celebration: Tire Stewardship Manitoba (TSM) has reached its first birthday, as a
not-for-profit agency formed to represent the tire retailers of Manitoba.
T
SM took over the responsibility of
“We’ve split that to provide an incentive to
the government agreed that they would
operating the province’s scrap tire
collect,” Eckstein says. “This helps improve
assist us financially in dealing with the
recycling program from a govern-
collection in those areas which have been
inventory. The backlog has been cleaned
ment-run board on April 1, 2008, which
historically underserviced, such as some
up, and now we’re removing the flow on
had managed it from 1995 to 2008.
of our more remote rural areas, by paying
an annual basis.”
There have been challenges, says TSM
a separate fee that encourages collection
Executive Director Brett Eckstein, but
on a timely basis. Our goal is to keep tires
High value to consumers
overall, it’s been a very smooth and ef-
off the landscape and out of retailers’
Eckstein believes that consumers are
fective transition.
yards, because they pose a fire hazard and
pleased with the program, especially since
other environmental and human health
almost all of the tires are processed within
risks, such as mosquitoes.”
the province, creating jobs and economic
“We collect an eco-fee from the tire retailers at the point of sale,” he says. “It’s a
development. “We’ve made some sig-
fee on all new tires that are supplied in
A successful program
Manitoba, so you’re either a first seller or
The program is successful: last year, 95%
managing tires, we’ve done some cleanup,
first importer. There are no manufacturers
of all tires collected were recycled within
and now those tires are being stored
in Manitoba, so it works better from our
the province into other products, such
appropriately and collected on a more
standpoint.”
as aggregate, crumb, molded products,
timely basis,” he says. “There are some
or blast mats. The remaining 5% was
challenges that lie ahead, and we’re work-
shipped outside the province for tire-de-
ing with our processors to improve collec-
The fee starts at $4.50 and varies by
rived fuel, “but that was program residual
tion province-wide. We’re seeing a more
tire type, reaching $75 for large OTR
that can’t be easily handled by some of
systematic approach to collecting tires in
tires, with all money remitted to TSM.
our processors,” Eckstein says. These were
Manitoba and processing them without
“We’re responsible for all tires and tubes
mainly oversized OTR tires; there aren’t
any significant backlog. I think the public
in Manitoba,” Eckstein says. “Anything
enough of them to justify the expense
is getting very high value for what they’re
on a motorized vehicle, on- or off-road,
of buying the big shredders needed to
being asked to contribute.”
with the exemption of personal mobility
handle them.
Responsible for all tires
aids, such as motorized scooters.”
nificant improvements with how we’re
www.tirestewardshipmb.ca
One major accomplishment is that a back-
Registered processors either collect or
log of 12,000 tires from the government
contract collection of the scrap tires.
program has been cleaned up. “These
Two incentives are paid to processors:
were OTR tires, and because they were
when tires are collected or delivered,
not levied, they had accumulated over
and when they’re processed or manu-
the years,” Eckstein says. “The province
factured into other products. Under the
occasionally funded some pickups, but
government program, processors were
they did that with surplus funds, and
only paid upon proof of sale of a recycled
that’s what got the program in trouble
product.
financially. When we made the transition,
17
commercial tires
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Business Is Good!
Agricultural Tires
The agricultural tire business—a.k.a. Ag tires—is doing fine. As a matter of fact, according to
Brian Riddell, National manager of Bridgestone Americas Ag Group in Canada, it is excellent!
T
he increasing demand for Ag tires
from the agricultural tire industry. Still,
in our part of the world can be
according to Riddell, Bridgestone produ-
explained by the fact that there
ces the most popular brand of Ag tires—
is more demand than ever for food,
Firestone. He even estimates it to be
especially from other areas of the globe
among the most important in the world.
where appetite and taste have grown
Obviously, brands such as Michelin and
for more meat (mostly beef and pork)
Goodyear (which is now under Titan
than fish. Consequently, more machin-
ownership) are to be counted also, but
ery and larger equipment is needed for
the interest for the Firestone brand is
such farming. This situation has made it
easily explainable by the allegiance to
more profitable for farmers. Riddell tells
the brand as Firestone was the first to
us that the demand for big equipment
make pneumatic tires specifically for
right now has increased to a point where
Ag use, and by the fact that farmers are
major tractor and farming equipment
thrifty people who like to stick to prod-
manufacturers have a hard time keeping
ucts they have known and trusted for a
up with it!
long time.
Today’s tractors are not what they used
The Canadian market
to be. Other than modern creature com-
The most important market for Ag tires
forts such as air conditioning and mod-
in Canada remains the Western region
still a manufacturer like Firestone can
ern technology such as GPS guidance,
with about 60% of the market, followed
offer a warranty of 9 years on its radial
big machines made by legendary manu-
by Ontario and Quebec, each with about
products, 8 on its bias ply tires.
facturers such as John Deere as well as
20% of the same market. Farms in
others, are now available with dual and
Ontario and Quebec are generally 200-
Technology still prevails
triple rear tire options and with all-wheel
to 300-acres; in Western Canada, they
When Harvey Firestone introduced rub-
drive!
are from the 30,000- to 50,000-acres—
ber tractor tires early in the 20th cen-
this alone explains the importance of
tury, he wanted to replace the steel
that area.
wheels that used to equip those ma-
Unfortunately, it is now more difficult
than ever to get the production numbers
These Firestone agricultural tires can also be used
for snow removal. (photo: Éric Descarries)
18
Brian Riddell is the National manager of Bridgestone
Americas Ag Group in Canada.
chines. Firestone was a farmer himself
Although some competitors have almost
(his original home now sits at the Henry
phased out bias-ply tires, Firestone still
Ford Museum in the part called the
offers them. “They are less expensive,
Greenfield Village) and not only was
so they are more popular for limited use
he looking for comfort, he also wanted
and small chores,” comments Riddell.
better traction. Nowadays, tractor tire
“Still, there’ll probably come a day when
manufacturers are aiming at making
all Ag tires will be radials.” We also
products that will make the lightest com-
learned from our expert that Ag tires can
paction possible on the soil. At the same
last a long time but some of the newer
time, they must have the best traction
stronger crops have proven to damage
possible, no matter what kind of soil is
AG tires more. The ones that don’t wear
involved. Ag tractor tires are offered in
out as fast are the implement tires, but
four categories, R-1 for standard soils,
R1-W for moister grounds, R-2 for wet,
many airports now use farm-type trac-
muddy conditions, and R-3 for turf appli-
tors mostly in winter for many little
cations and for minimal soil disturbance.
chores including snow removal. “They
The R-1 still is the most popular version
choose farm tractors because they are
in North America.
easily resalable later on,” says Riddell.
However, it is important to remember
Today’s technology involves making lar-
that tires wear out faster on harder
ger tires for bigger tractors. Firestone is
pavements.
still proving that its tires with a 23-degree lug angle are more efficient than
For his part, Marin notes that tractors
the conventional 45-degree rib angle
are used for snow removal in large cities
during traction and pulling power.
such as Montreal and Quebec City. Since
they are used on public paved roads,
Another technology making its way in the
tires do tend to wear out faster.
industry is the rubber track. Bridgestone
Tracks for farm tractors are slowly gaining popularity.
(photo: Bridgestone)
is very much involved in this technology.
In addition, the forestry tire business is
those brands and their sales dropped
Its engineers began working with the
slowly picking up thanks to projects in
considerably. Once again, brand loyalty
concept in Japan back in the 1960s.
Quebec, but it has suffered badly from
won over novelty. At any rate, he still be-
Rubber tracks are more reliable than
trade politics with the United States.
lieves the big name brands make much
ever and Bridgestone offers some in
Construction tire sales are also growing
better tires.
many sizes ranging from a 16-inch to
fast thanks to all the local government
a 36-inch width. Christian Marin from
grants for road reconstruction.
Bridgestone told us this concept was
Riddell has a great opinion of Ag tire
customers. Though he admits that sell-
slowing catching on in Western Canada
Little competition from the Orient
where it helps diminish compaction.
There was a time when we all thought
that selling to farmers is personable
that the foreign competition—particu-
and more enjoyable. But, just like any
larly from China and India—would be in-
other tire representative, he has the
Ag tires are not necessarily confined
tense for established brands. Yet, accord-
same advice to give: “The most import-
to farm works. Riddell pointed out that
ing to Riddell, farmers shied away from
ant maintenance to do on an Ag tire is
Other uses
ing such tires is not difficult, he says
to regularly check the pressure.” Where
have we heard that before?
Goodyear, now with Titan, is an important player in the Ag tire segment. (photo: Éric Descarries)
Firestone’s Christian Marin (photo: Éric Descarries)
19
commercial tires
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Al’s Tirecraft
Keeping the Farm
Community Rolling
Knowledge and service keep the customers coming back.
A
cross much of the tire industry, the
effects of rising fuel prices and the
economy are having a major im-
pact. But some are seeing a silver lining,
most notably in the farm segment, says
Bruce Barnim. He’s vice president of Al’s
Tirecraft in Burgessville, Ontario, as well
Bruce Barnim, vice president of Al’s Tirecraft and president of Tirecraft Eastern Canada Division
as president of Tirecraft Eastern Canada
school. Five years later, I went full-time
Business of the Year
with tires. We had a one-bay shop beside
Barnim is an active participant in the
“Farm tire sales have probably never
the service station that grew to a seven-
community, and Al’s Tires recently re-
been so good,” Barnim says. “The big
bay shop.”
ceived an award as the Norwich District
challenge is finding enough of them, as
In the 1970s, Barnim acquired Haugh
Year. “I think we do a fairly good job of
modity prices were really good last
Tire in nearby Clinton, and then took on
supporting the community that supports
year. They have backed down a bit, but
other shops in Ingersoll and Exeter. His
us,” Barnim says. “I believe more in put-
when the oil prices went so high, they
group, Town & Country Tires, eventually
ting our advertising dollars toward our
started making a lot of ethanol and
had 14 stores when the decision was
local arena or different clubs, rather than
fuel from different products. That put
made to join Tirecraft. “We do a little
spending a lot of money in radio or other
a real demand on everything having to
of everything, but truck tire sales and
media. We should at least put a portion
do with farming and drove the prices up
service represents a major portion of
of our money into the community.”
significantly.
our overall business mix,” Barnim says.
“But we concentrate on farm. We tend
The business also actively supports the
“There are some segments of farming
to be in a lot of the smaller, rural com-
Woodstock Hospital Foundation, the
that are down, but overall it’s doing
munities. We started in a rural area, so
New Norwich Arena, and in conjunc-
very well and consequently, there’s in-
we tend to like the farm and commercial
tion with all of its shops, raised almost
creased demand for new equipment. It’s
aspects.”
$35,000 last year for the Canadian
not just North America. Farming has
Breast Cancer Foundation through a golf
taken off in other places all over the
Going to the customer
world and it’s put a lot of pressure on
That includes going to the customer,
everyone.”
wherever he may be. Huge farm equip-
And most importantly, it all works for
ment that breaks down in the field can’t
the customer. “Farm tires have got more
be simply rolled down to the shop.
complex over the last few years,” Barnim
In business for 42 years
20
Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the
there’s a real short supply. The com-
tournament.
Al’s Tire Service has been in business
“We’re able to fix it, no matter where
says. “Radialization is a big factor now.
for 42 years. “My father started the
it is,” Barnim says. “Tires are getting so
It used to be a very simple market, but
business in 1967, pumping gas, and he
large these days that most of our trucks
now the farmers often know more than
sold a few tires,” Barnim says. “I was still
are now equipped with crane service so
the dealers. We have to be right on top
going to school and pumping gas after
they can lift the tire.”
of it all—more now than ever.”
Photo: Jack Kazmierski
Division.
commercial tires
Industry News
Continental and Marangoni
to Offer Truck Tire Retreads
Yokohama Adds Four
Commercial Tire Sizes
Continental Introduces
Five Commercial Tires
Continental Tire North America (CTNA) will
soon offer Continental-brand retread tires to
commercial tire dealers in Canada and the
United States. Actually, as we first learned
(unofficially) at Montreal’s Expocam, CTNA
is cooperating with Marangoni Tread North
America and already testing ContiTread retreads for select fleets and customers. ContiTread will be available in two tread designs
based on Conti’s fuel efficient HDL Eco Plus
and HTL Eco Plus truck tires. Both, bearing
the additional name “with Ring technology,”
will be built with Marangoni’s Ringtread system that features a seamless ring tread that
slips on the processed casing.
Yokohama has added four sizes to its
103ZRT commercial truck tire line. The
103ZRT is known to be part of Yokohama’s
eco-friendly Zenvironment line of longer lasting, more fuel efficient tires. The four new
sizes are: 295/75R22.5 14(G) and 16(H)
ply; 11R22.5 14(G)
and 16(H) ply;
285/75R24.5 14(G)
ply, and 11R24.5
14(G) and 16(H)
ply.
Continental Tire North America unveiled a
new line of commercial truck tires at the Louisville, Kentucky Mid-America Trucking Show last
March:
BFGoodrich Adds Load Range E Sizes to All-Terrain T/A
BFGoodrich, a branch of Michelin North America, has just announced it will add
six Load range E sizes to its All-Terrain T/A KO line of tires. Consequently, buyers
will have the choice between 21 sizes of Load Range E tires from that manufacturer. Already available are two LRE sizes: 225/75R16 LRE and 285/70R17
LRE. In May, BFG added the 305/70R16 LRE and 325/65R18 LRE, while the
325/60R20 LRE and 265/75R16 LRE will complete the new arrivals in June.
• The HSR2, a regional steer tire that replaces the
traditional HSR. It features a 23/32” tread compound and the company’s Visual Alignment Indicator (VAI) and a patented stone ejection system.
• The HDL2 DL, an over the highway long haul drive
tire with a 32/32” tread depth and a wider casing
for increased handling stability.
• The HTL Eco Plus, a trailer tire with improved fuel
efficiency; according to Continental, this new tire
will improve fuel economy by 10 percent. Among
its feature are a 13/32” tread depth and a stone
ejection system with Visual Alignment Indicator.
• The HSU2, a waste hauler and construction fleet tire
with 26/32” deep rib combined to a cut and tear
resistant tread compound.
• The HTL 1, a wide-based super single tire designed
to replace two regular trailer tires. It features a
13/32” tread depth to minimize irregular wear and
for better fuel economy. Add to that sidewalls with
ribs to protect from curbing and cutting.
Most of these new tires—except the HTL
1—are made at the Mount Vernon, Illinois plant.
Your eco fee
helps give
new life to
BC’s scrap tires
To find out more about
tire recycling, the eco fee
or upcoming initiatives
please visit www.tsbc.ca
21
ADVERTORIAL
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Tirecraft: Stronger Than Ever and Growing Quickly
Unwavering Entrepreneurial Spirit
Drives the Brand to Success
You have no doubt heard of the phoenix, a mythical bird that burned in a fire, but rose from
the ashes stronger than before. It’s certainly an apt metaphor for Tirecraft, a well-known and
well-respected company that went through an ownership change a couple of years ago and fell
on difficult times. It’s now in the hands of tire professionals, who have once again turned it
around into a strong brand that’s growing successfully under the stewardship of its new corporate owners.
W
hile the name known to many
Adding value, without adding expense, by
Tire Distributors in two tire distribution
Canadians has remained the
way of making it easier for our member-
centres in Ontario.
same, the company is operating
ship to conduct business is our number-
under two divisions, one in the east and
one goal.”
one in the west.
Tire people run tire businesses
“The short-term goal is to bring strong
Realizing the value of the brand, two
dealers and business partners to the
Alberta dealers, Kirk’s Tire and Trail Tire,
Tirecraft brand,” says Bob Anderson,
purchased the Tirecraft name in 2008.
president of Tirecraft Western Canada,
“Tirecraft is a name that’s been around
Al Barnim Inc. of Ontario also became a
based in Edmonton. “Tire people run tire
this industry for decades, is well-respect-
partner, and as a result, the two divisions
businesses, end of story. Tirecraft consists
ed, and has a ton of equity, both at the
were formed: Tirecraft Western Canada,
of a group of entrepreneurial individuals,
retailer and supplier level,” says Don
and Tirecraft Eastern Canada. Currently,
each well-trained in every aspect of the
Gauthier, general manager of Tirecraft
the western division has 35 stores, one
tire business. The group managing the
Eastern Canada. “Our goal now is to
wheel distribution and four tire distri-
Tirecraft brand today is very much in tune
simply enhance the program to insure it’s
bution centres, and two retread plants,
with how the businesses should oper-
responsive to our members’ needs, and
while the eastern division consists of 45
ate, and market by market, they are the
address the market changes as they occur.
stores, and is partnered with Regional
strength of those businesses. Long-term,
Adding value without
adding expense
our collective goal is to be an amalgamation of Tirecraft East and West, representing the Tirecraft brand nationally.”
Strong emphasis on service
Tirecraft sees itself as a retail selling group,
rather than a buying group, with a strong
emphasis on improving service to customers while leveraging the efficiencies
of a store network. “Tirecraft is the program banner name, while each member’s
name is maintained to leverage the equity
built up over the years in their local communities,” says Todd Richardson, Sales &
Marketing manager for Tirecraft Eastern
Canada. “This change has already opened
Todd Richardson, Sales & Marketing manager, Don Gauthier, general manager, and Bruce Barnim, president
– Tirecraft Eastern Canada
22
up new doors to the program.”
into the system, so the service is carried
approach, will definitely help Tirecraft
out to the standard predetermined by
grow, even in the uncertain economic times
that fleet. Then all the billing comes back
we are experiencing today,” Anderson
Todd Richardson
through their servicing dealer. This is a
says. “The poor economy is having some
Each store is also tailored for the area in
very exciting enhancement to our program
impact on our business, especially in the
which it’s located. “We’re a very broad-
and even though we’re independent busi-
commercial segment, but it is tracking to
based group,” says Ray Lehman, Dealer
nesses, we can present a single face and a
expectation. Our new programs and initia-
Development manager of Tirecraft Western
single solution to our fleet customers.”
tives are having a positive impact. Combine
Canada. “Depending on the market, a
all of this with the equity of the Tirecraft
dealer could be stronger in off-road, agri-
Growing quickly but sustainably
cultural, or commercial businesses than
The eastern division’s warehousing system,
is comprised of successful entrepreneurs,
they are in, say, the retail or mechanical
Regional Tire Distributors, plays a big role in
[and] we have a very effective team going
side, but most of them have everything to
building the strength of the Tirecraft brand.
forward.
offer as a full-line service. That’s part of
The two warehouses provide the network of
the criteria for Tirecraft stores as we go
stores with up to “four times daily” service,
“The combined effort of Tirecraft Eastern
forward; we want to service everyone.”
ensuring the best possible customer service
and Western Canada is going to re-establish
through timely product access.
the Tirecraft brand nationally. That’s why
Seamless service
brand, and our strong membership which
our partners in the east are doing what
According to Anderson, it’s that commun-
With over 80 locations already established
they’re doing, and the manufacturers have
ity-based approach that each individual
in just a few months, the Tirecraft program
seen the benefit as well. We’re two separate
store took that made the transition much
is growing quickly. However, both divisions
companies, but we’re working in partnership
easier. In many cases, he says, consumers
are taking a methodical approach that will
to achieve our common goals,” he says.
weren’t even aware of the changes at the
result in sustainable growth.
“It’s a development process, but we want
corporate level, especially as Tirecraft
dealers kept their names and, in most
“The strength of our associate program
to be sure we’re doing the best possible for
cases, sourced their products as best they
comes from the unwavering entrepreneur-
the consumer by partnering with dealers
could, with the singular aim of providing
ial spirit that exists amongst our member-
who have a solid sales, service and busi-
seamless service to their local customers
ship, which is comprised of a mixture of
ness background. We want to be stronger,
until a structured program could be put in
both new and former Tirecraft associates,”
but we need to be smarter. A collective
place. “The businesses we’re affiliated with
Gauthier says. “This broad-based experi-
effort will keep everyone on the right path
in the East and West were going concerns
ence and knowledge provides us with front-
and will insure our continued success.”
right through all of 2008, in spite of the
line insight that keeps us on target and on
unfortunate circumstances,” he says. “But
the leading edge of market evolution.”
For program information in the East,
contact Todd Richardson at 519-532-1692
or email [email protected].
by and large, the customers had dealt with
the people in those locations for years. I
An effective team
don’t think anyone saw any change.”
“The broad experience of our membership,
coupled with our enhanced marketing
In the West, contact Robert Anderson
at 780-909-1949 or email
[email protected]
In Ontario, a trade fair and banquet held
in February in Cambridge introduced dealers and prospects to the brand name;
Richardson says that over 90 percent of
those who were dealers under the old
program have stayed on for the new one.
Another fundamental change to the program has been the introduction of Tire
Service Network, or TSN, which provides
a seamless service solution to fleet operators. “It’s in place, with a Web-based 24/7
tire service solution,” Richardson says.
“When a company has a truck down at
2 am, they call our Tirecraft 1-800 number,
and the fleet profile is already preloaded
Bob Anderson, president, and Ray Lehman, Dealer Development manager – Tirecraft Western Canada
23
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
TPMS: It’s Here, and It’s Still a Challenge
Tools and Education Top
Our Experts’ Lists
Once found only on a few high-end models, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now a
mainstream item. While they’re not mandatory in Canada—and Transport Canada says it currently has no plans to make them so—their requirement on all new vehicles sold in the U.S.
means they’re increasingly common north of the border.
B
ut common doesn’t always mean
agrees that consumer education is of
TPMS safety feature on their vehicle, the
easy. There are still a number of
prime importance. “In our experience
majority are not.”
challenges, including tools, train-
of conducting training seminars across
ing, access to information, and most im-
the country, the resounding response to
Hitchon says that education should ideally
portantly, consumer understanding and
this question [of challenges] is that the
start at the new-car dealer level, but
acceptance.
consumer education piece of the puzzle is
this doesn’t always happen. “If a new-car
missing,” she says. “While some Canadian
owner is unaware of these features, the
consumers are well aware of the new
retailer or tire dealer performing the
Educating on maintenance
“The biggest challenge is education, for
both the end consumer and for tire dealers,” says Brian Rigney, general manager
with Dill Air Controls. “With the end consumer, we’re trying to work more with TIA
and our federal government to educate
people so they understand why they have
it. That’s where the tire dealers need to
come in. They automatically replace the
rubber valve stem on new tires, and that’s
standard, but we’re now telling them they
must replace the key sealing valve components: the seal itself, the valve core, the
hex nut and the valve cap. Any time you
disassemble the tire from the wheel, you
need to replace the components in the
service kit.”
Dill has also designed a countertop display, containing a dummy sensor, to show
consumers what’s in the tire. “Dealers can
show customers the sensor, what we’re
replacing, or why you need a new one,”
Rigney says.
Doing what the dealerships don’t
Susan Hitchon, national sales manager
for Tomkins Industrial and Automotive,
24
repair or selling new tires can also ‘sell’
years old and are out of factory warranty.
TPMS. A refresher is a good idea, but it will
the features of TPMS,” she says. The
“The biggest challenges right now have
depend on the market and how many you
dealer must also explain the importance
to do with the Asian vehicles,” he says.
see. If a dealer’s not having any problems,
of replacing the sensors’ service parts with
“When the domestic OEs started out, as
they may never need training again.
OE-equivalent parts.
long as you had an activation tool, you
could re-register IDs for two sets of wheels
“With any training, [track] how much
for winter or summer. The Asian vehicles
trouble you are having, how much time
So once the consumer is educated, what’s
made that more challenging, because you
you are wasting in the bay doing relearns,
next? That would be tools, according to
need a scan tool connected to the vehicle
how much that is costing you in productiv-
Scot Holloway, general manager of Bartec
to complete that, more like the OE pro-
ity. If you’re breaking sensors, or tying up
USA. “The challenge has always been to be
cess at a dealership or even at the plant.
the bays for long periods, I would suggest
Opportunity for everyone
you get training right away. If there’s no
able to design tools and solutions to work
with the broad variety of sensors that are
“A solution that allows the most flexibility
problem and you’re managing it well,
in the marketplace,” he says. “We’re not
is a tool that is a TPMS tool and a scan
focus on other areas. My advice to retail-
going to see standardization in the short
tool all in one package. A combination tool
ers is to become the expert. If dealers
term. [Bartec is] at the OE level and we’re
is easier to operate and keeps the learn-
are just going to take the approach of
seeing four new protocols and/or sensor
ing curve simple.”
sending it to the new-car dealer, they’re
types being introduced right now. At the
going to run out of customers; it’s just
same time, there’s opportunity for every-
It’s all about the toolbox
one. If you equip yourself with knowledge
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) was
and tools, you’ll set yourself apart.”
the first to combine relearn procedures
Building confidence
for each make and model into a quick
Customer confidence is everything, says
Putting off tools and training won’t work
reference chart, and offers training on the
Dave Lottridge, president of Prema
anymore, Holloway says, because many
system. But senior vice president of train-
Canada. “If a customer goes into one shop
TPMS-equipped vehicles are now five
ing Kevin Rohlwing believes that many
and they tell him how to maintain it, why
dealers have the education they need, and
it’s there, what’s the benefit, and the other
now it’s all about the toolbox. “It’s hard to
shop says, ‘You don’t have to worry about
be in the tire business and not deal with
it,’ I’d have more confidence in the shop
TPMS to some degree,” he says. “It’s not
that’s engaged in it,” he says.
that simple.”
a matter of them putting off training; if
they’re putting off anything, it’s invest-
“Traditional tire dealers have not been in-
ment in tools. Either the retailer or service
volved in complex electronic systems,” he
provider is deciding to spend the money
says. “Before, you had a tire changer and
on the electronic diagnostic and relearn
valves. Nothing was electronic on a tire.
tools, or they do the best they can, and
These things cost more money, and the key is
send the customer to the dealer.
to educate the customer with the value you’re
providing. You also need to do a pre-service
“Technically, any vehicle can be relearned
check to make sure the sensors are work-
without a tool, for standard tire work. The
ing properly, so that you have documented
tools come into play when the relearn pro-
evidence that they were working when they
cedure for that vehicle doesn’t work. The
came in and when they went out.
time that it would take to relearn is significantly reduced with electronic tools.”
Tracking your requirements
photo: autodeadline.com
“From our perspective, we’re trying to
encourage tire shops to get the tools and
be prepared. If they wait until 50% of the
Rohlwing believes that dealers should base
vehicles have a system until they learn
their training on the shop’s requirements,
about it, that learning curve is going to
rather than schedule refresher courses
be very steep. It’ll be like going up over
automatically. “The biggest urban areas
a cliff to learn what they need to service
in the provinces will see the most TPMS,
these vehicles. If shops are aggressive
because the highest concentration of new
about promoting the information and sell-
cars will be in that particular area,” he says.
ing the service, they’ll gain the customer’s
“In the rural areas, they don’t see a lot of
confidence.”
25
Economic Downturn
Survival Tips
It seems as though each day that goes by, the economic news gets worse—layoffs, bankruptcies, foreclosures and other hardships are realities businesspeople are having to face. The Tire
Industry Association (TIA) and its members have come up with some innovative tips businesspeople can use to weather this economic storm.
In an economy like this, know
what to buy—and what not to.
According to Dan Beach, TIA president
to existing vendors and negotiate lower
prices.
If you have to cut, think outside
the box.
Do you turn the heat down after hours?
and a successful businessperson with over
Don’t cut marketing—increase it.
40 years of experience, you should keep
When the economy slows down, the first
week to clean? Do you have to buy land-
inventories low in order to conserve cash,
thing businesspeople often do is to cut
scaping mulch every other year? “You
but you should also look at other neces-
their marketing budget. But, what they
might be surprised at how these small,
sary, yet less critical expenses to see if you
are really doing is making it much harder
repeatable expenses add up,” said Todd
can lock in low prices now. “For example,
to reach critical customers. For example,
Hart, director of sales, at TIA member B&J
for a tire dealer, it’s important not to have
“Many trade publications, websites,
Manufacturing Company. “For example, if
a buildup of tire inventory in order to
newspapers, and radio and television sta-
you switch to recycled tire mulch for your
keep a solid cash reserve. Yet, for other
tions are willing to deal right now when it
landscaping, it will last you several years,
expenses—such as uniform service—it
comes to advertising,” said TIA Director
versus using traditional wood mulch, which
may make sense to shop around now to
of Marketing Communications Richard
has to be replaced every year. While a
lock in a low price, as many vendors are
Porter. “As business slows down, you need
greater up-front expenditure, the recycled
willing to negotiate in an economic climate
to work harder to reach customers in order
rubber mulch is a maintenance-free solu-
like this,” said Beach.
to generate sales. Cutting your marketing
tion for many years, saving the labour and
expenditures only makes that effort much
materials costs associated with replacing
more difficult.”
wood mulch every year.”
Membership in a trade organization such as
Invest in training.
TIA can benefit businesspeople on several
With the battle for customer dollars get-
Listen… and put two and two
together.
fronts. Most associations offer their mem-
ting even fiercer, businesspeople need
Go beyond just reading the headlines.
bers discounts on vital products/services,
every weapon in their arsenal to stay
See where the trends seem to be going.
such as workers’ comp and liability insur-
ahead of the competition. One way to
Also, now more than ever, listen to your
ance, consumer credit cards, and business
achieve this is by investing in training.
customers. For example, if your customers
software. In addition, they often provide valu-
“Investing in education for your service
are having an increasingly difficult time
able training and education opportunities to
teams, as well as your salespeople, places
trying to afford the products and/or servi-
help businesspeople stay competitive.
a value in front of your customer many of
ces a businessperson offers, he/she needs
your competitors may not have. This
to find a way to make it easier and more
same education also places value in you
enticing for the customer to buy. “Learn to
“Change” seems to be almost as popu-
as an employer. In today’s environment,
put ‘two and two’ together once you know
lar these days as the word “recession.”
employees tend to look at education as
what the trends are. For example, offering
Follow this trend. Take a look at existing
a sign that their company cares about
a credit card like CarCareONE, which al-
expenses, such as insurance, uniform
them. On top of that, if you are unfortu-
lows consumers to pay for automotive pur-
service, credit card processing, and
nately involved in litigation over an injury
chases over 90 days with no interest, can
payroll services. Then, shop around.
or other liability, the first thing the plain-
provide customers with the mechanism(s)
Businesspeople might be surprised at
tiff’s attorney will look at is training,” said
necessary to go ahead and make the pur-
how much they can save by switching
Jerry Lott, loss prevention manager of
chase,” said Beach.
vendors of these services. If nothing
TIA member GCR Truck Tire Centers in
else, with the information gathered from
Austin, TX.
Consider joining a trade
association.
Don’t fear change.
26
shopping around, businesspeople can go
Does a cleaning company come in every
www.tireindustry.org
Another MRT Plant in North America
Éric Descarries
Pneus Bélisle Opens a
New Retread Plant in Quebec
[email protected]
How important is the demand for retread commercial tires in Eastern Canada? Sufficient
enough for Pneus Bélisle, a Quebec-based tire distributor and retreader, to open a brand new
retread plant near Quebec City.
W
hen establishing its second retread organization,
A second plant for Pneus Bélisle
a $3.9 million plant in St-Augustin-de-Desmaures’
The Pneus Bélisle Group already has a 38-year history; its main
industrial park, Pneus Bélisle thought of Michelin’s
headquarters are based in the Montreal area. Other than its MRT
Retread Technology (MRT). Consequently, this would be
retread plant recently opened in St-Augustin-de-Desmaures, it
Michelin’s 80th retread plant in North America, its eighth in
already operates another retread plant in Québec. Pneus Bélisle
Canada. According to Daniel Bélisle, president of Rechapage
also has two distribution centres and eleven corporate stores
Bélisle, when the plant comes into full operation, it will be able
throughout the province.
Photos: Éric Descarries
to deal with around 60,000 tires a year.
According to Bertrand Gariépy, Regional Sales manager for
Eastern Canada for Michelin North America (Canada), the
demand for high quality retread tires is increasing within today’s economic situation. That alone is enough to justify the
new plant.
These are some of the retread products offered by Rechapage Bélisle.
17th ANNUAL AARO CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
“Chip in”
and help
the kids.
Join us for our 17th Annual
AARO Charity Golf Tournament
at the
Cardinal Golf Club in Newmarket
Wednesday, June 24, 2009.
Both AARO and the Bloorview Kids Rehab Centre are not-for-profit
organizations. All proceeds from this worthwhile and tax-deductable
fundraising event are donated to the Bloorview Kids Rehab Centre. The
success of this event is dependent upon the generosity of our sponsors
and participants. We urge you to join us for this hugely successful and
highly anticipated annual industry event. Both sponsorship packages and
participant’s packages are available. For information please go online to
www.aaro.ca or contact Bonnie Black toll-free at the AARO office.
1-800-268-5400
27
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Inventory Management—Know It, Track It, Sell It
Don’t Be Stuck With Cash
on Your Shelf
What’s the most important business investment you can make? According to Tom Shay of
Profits+Plus, it’s your inventory. And by constantly monitoring it, you can make
your shop run both tightly and profitably.
“
F
ifty-four percent of failed busi-
management. Your calculations help
There are several ways to qualify inven-
nesses are making money when
determine how much you can and should
tory using the Open to Buy calculator;
they close,” Shay says. “The inven-
spend for each inventory category, if
Shay suggests making each tire size a
tory was in the wrong place. The concept
you’re matching your sales to the inven-
“fineline,” or category, for inventory con-
is as old as it gets, but I’m amazed at
tory on hand, and what product lines
trol. He warns that it will make for a lot of
how many don’t worry about inventory
you want to have in your store. “Open
calculations, but they will tell you when to
control.”
to Buy” is the amount of cash you have
buy and restock each fineline. You won’t
available to purchase new inventory.
sell each fineline equally each month, but
Free business calculators
when you chart your sales, you’ll find their
Shay offers several free, no-obligation
“In some cases, running out of stuff
ups and downs. “They may defy logic, but
business calculators for downloading
is good,” Shay says. His example is a
over the years, the pattern will be there,”
at his website www.profitsplus.org, in-
card shop that runs out of full-price
he says. “Every product has a reason for
cluding “Open to Buy” for inventory
Valentine’s Day cards on February 5,
going up and down. You don’t necessarily
while a competitor is marking them
need to know the reason, but you do need
down to half-price on February 15. “I
to know where the down point is.”
want maximum inventory just before
peak sales, and then a drop afterwards,”
A prime position
he says. “I don’t need cash sitting on the
Besides knowing what’s moving off your
shelf. Inventory and sales must relate—
shelves and when, Shay says that keep-
they must look like Fred Astaire and
ing a strict eye on inventory puts you in
Ginger Rogers. But too little inventory
a prime position to take advantage of
costs you sales, because customers go
purchasing opportunities, to change your
elsewhere. Selling out continually is not
strategies quickly if necessary, and to
healthy.”
have the cash you need to continue your
Velocity coding
The key to determining proper inventory
“If you end the season with inventory,
management is in “velocity coding,” Shay
where do you get the money to buy inven-
says—assigning a code to each line, with A
tory for the upcoming season?” Shay asks.
being something that moves every day; B,
“Inventory is your investment. It becomes
C and D move more slowly, while E might
a vehicle that can make you a better re-
only sell once a year. These slower-moving
turn than any bank or the stock market.
items may have a place in your inventory,
It’s a lot of paperwork to track your Open
since big-box stores probably won’t carry
to Buy, but it’s the way to make the busi-
them. “But D and E needs to earn its way,”
ness work.”
Shay warns. “Its profit margin needs to be
high. If it’s only 10 percent on a $2,000
Tom Shay
28
operations.
item, then make it a special order.”
Jack Kazmierski
[email protected]
Management
The Challenge of Change
Making changes is seldom easy. To do so effectively, you need the right tools.
I
n order to survive and prosper in our changing economy,
phone. These comparatively easy and minor changes can often be
retailers (including tire shops) need to adapt to the ebb and
handled in-house.
flow of the market and to increasing consumer demands.
But change can be difficult. Individual employees aren’t always
If you’re planning changes that will completely alter the entire
open to it, and corporations often have a difficult time orchestra-
structure and operation of your business, much more “how to”
ting the transition from the old business model to the new one.
time will be necessary. In some cases you might even need to call
in professional help.
Getting your staff to embrace new attitudes, new products, and
a new way of doing business takes skill—the owner or manager
Let them shine
of a business must be able to get his team to change their tune
And while you’re on a mission of change, why not take the oppor-
in unison while maintaining harmony.
tunity to get the best out of your employees and really let them
Expect opposition
shine. The better they are, the better your business will be. Are
there skills you can encourage them to develop? Would your team
Experts in the field of corporate dynamics will warn you that
benefit from hands-on training? Is there a knowledge gap that
change is often opposed… especially if that change is forced
needs to be filled?
upon employees. Your role as the owner or manager is to realize
this fact and understand that your employees need more than a
The satisfaction that comes from mastering a new skill is often
command or an ultimatum in order to make changes. They need
enough to change the way an employee feels about him or herself,
to know why those changes have to be made.
which in turn results in an improved attitude and perspective that
benefits the entire company. This is the kind of change everyone
Telling your counterperson that from now on he’s responsible for
will welcome.
the cleanliness of the washrooms without explaining how clean
washrooms contribute to the overall image of your shop, create
an inviting atmosphere, and encourage customers to come back
ADVERTISERS
and buy more tires from you, will have him balking at the idea.
AARO
www.aaro.ca
27
Atlas Tire Wholesale
www.atlastire.com
a clean washroom suddenly looks like a good idea.
autosphere.ca
www.autosphere.ca
31
Change is a skill
Continental Tire
www.continentaltire.ca
32
Duret & Landry
www.duretlandry.com
9
Kumho Tires
www.kumhotire.ca
to train your staff how to make those changes.
NAPA
www.napacanada.com
In some cases, this may involve a few hours of one-on-one time
Tire Stewardship BC
www.tirestewardshipbc.ca
Tirecraft
www.tirecraft.com
TIREMAX
www.tiremax.ca
On the other hand, if you connect the dots between demanding
customers, dirty facilities, dwindling sales and the fact that his
2, 13
services will no longer be needed if your shop goes under, then
Once the need for a change is explained and understood, your
employees must be taught how to make those changes. The
ability to change is a learned skill—if you want changes to be
made without hiccups in your overall vision, you’re going to have
11
7
To find out more about
tire recycling, the eco fee
or upcoming initiatives
please visit www.tsbc.ca
21
explaining the differences between the old and new way of doing
business. Perhaps an employee needs to learn how to use new
software or needs to change the way he or she answers the
22, 23
5
29
Jack Kazmierski
[email protected]
Product Life Cycle
Starting at the End
All products have a life cycle. Whether the products you sell will end up in a landfill or be
recycled into new products is up to you.
I
magine a world where manufacturers
concept to good use on a larger scale.
redeveloped into new products at the end
are responsible for the disposal and
Whether we sell tires, fix cars, manage a
of their usable life, or materials that will
recycling of the products they make
fleet or repair fender benders, if everyone
more easily decompose in our landfills.
and sell. A world where every toaster, te-
were to do their part we could collectively
levision or truck that leaves the assembly
make a big difference.
line will eventually make its way back to
This kind of change can be a challenge
the factory to be disassembled, re-used,
Re-think
or melted down and recycled.
Imagine for a moment that lawmakers sud-
if ever, include an environmental impact
since current business models seldom,
denly made you responsible for recycling all
component. Most companies and indi-
That’s the kind of world many European
the products you sell. Whether you’re a ma-
viduals are happy to pass the buck, and
countries have envisioned and are moving
nufacturer, distributor or a retailer, it is now
responsibility is a dirty word.
toward with laws that hold companies res-
your job to make sure whatever you sell is
ponsible for the environmental impacts of
recycled or re-used. Wouldn’t that make you
But if we were all responsible for whatever
their products.
re-think the way you do business?
we sold our customers, we’d start making
Beyond the carmakers
Perhaps you’d think about the packaging
adjust their way of doing business so as
These laws and guidelines are a natu-
you currently use. Does that tiny widget
to make it easier for us to live up to our
ral for vehicle manufacturers. Instead of
really need to be packed in a kilogram of
responsibilities.
leaving old vehicles piled up in wreckers’
plastic and cardboard? Perhaps you’d also
yards, why not implement a program
reconsider the raw materials you use, choo-
If we truly care about the environment we
where consumers take their vehicles back
sing those that are more readily re-used or
won’t hesitate to take the initiative now—
to the dealer, much like we return old beer
recycled.
long before laws force us to. Can you start
noise and demanding that our suppliers
by doing something today to assure the
bottles to the retailer?
30
Responsibility
Even everyday items like oil filters and air
products you sell will be dealt with in an
But why stop at carmakers? Whether in
filters could be re-thought and re-engi-
environmentally-friendly manner once
Europe or here in Canada, we can put this
neered using materials that can either be
their life cycle comes to an end?
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Handling Scrap Tires Every Step of the Way

Transcription

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