Finland Times

 

FTimes Photo.

Lapin Kumi Oy, a tyre retreading company, has inaugurated a new plant installed at a cost of around 1.2 million euros for retreading tyres of heavy-duty vehicles, reported the Finnish language daily Lapin Kansa.

 

The company’s old retreading facility at Alakorkalontie Street is cramped, said Lapin Kumi CEO Ville Ruokanen.

 

“The demand for retreaded tyres for heavy-duty vehicles has increased significantly in recent years. We wanted to meet the demand for higher and faster production capacity,” said Ruokanen.

 

He said some suitable premises were found along the Ahjotie Street. “An investment of 1.2 million euros is especially high for a small family company of our size, when you take into account that in 2014-2015 we invested a total of 5.5 million euros in new premises in Oulu and Tornio,” Ruokanen said.

 

About 130,000 new heavy-duty tyres are sold annually compared to 160,000 retreaded tyres. According to Lapin Kumi, this ratio is the largest in Europe.

 

During retreading, new treads are attached to the worn out tyre through vulcanisation. The same tyre can be retreaded several times.

 

Retreading enables transport entrepreneurs to save costs when it comes to tyre expenses.

 

“Tyre retreading is regulated by E-regulations throughout the EU. They harmonise the requirements for tyre treading and promoting road safety. In order to fulfil the regulations, a retreader must meet stringent approval and quality system requirements,” Ruokanen said.

 

Lapin Kumi’s quality system has been in use since 1995 and it boasts of E-approval since 2003.

 

The competition in the transport sector is extremely intense. According to Ruokanen, transport entrepreneurs are looking for vehicle-related savings. 

 

By using retreaded tyres, one can save hundreds of euros up to a couple of thousand euros per vehicle combination in a year.

 

The company’s turnover in the last financial year was 21.7 million euros.

 

Lapin Kumi was established in 1947. The company has seven outlets and employs 87 permanent workers.