Continental Tyres is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its acquisition of long-standing retread tyre brand, Bandvulc. Since its integration in 2016, the Bandvulc product portfolio has expanded with the successful introduction ofthe latest Gen 5 range whilst extensive knowledge sharing across the business has helped deliver significant enhancements at both the UK and Stocken plants. The anniversary, that took place in July, was celebrated in Ivybridge as part of its annual fun-day for staff, family and friends.
Over the last decade, there has been considerable growth and progression of the Bandvulc brand. In 2023, the Ivybridge plant became one of two ContiLifeCycle facilities in Europe, serving as a major innovation hub for hot retreading across the region. Today, the facility produces both Bandvulc and ContiRe branded tyres for the UK and EMEA market.
Continental continues to invest in its people in Ivybridge, through training and development. Around 280 people across Devon and nearby Cornwall are based out of the site, with 60% of the staff working at Ivybridge for over a decade. Some have more than forty years’ service.
Investment in automation has also been vital to the progression of the facility. Utilising custom-built robotics, conveyer systems and adding automation in previously manual processes has aided production efficiencies and contributed to maintaining its rigorous ISO9001 standard as well as continually improving safety and ergonomics for its workforce. The site has produced more than a million retreads in the past 10 years, with a tyre typically leaving the production line every three minutes.
Community, too, is of great value to the Ivybridge team. In practice, this ranges from maintaining strong working relationships with local suppliers, to donating rubber crumb for use in local sports facilities and children’s playgrounds as well as further afield. This year, the staff at ContiLifeCycle Ivybridge have raised money for Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and previously fundraised for Devon Air Ambulance and Children’s Happy Hospital Plymouth.
Tony Mailling, Plant Manager of ContiLifeCycle Ivybridge said, “It is a testament to the staff at Ivybridge, that throughout the brand’s development, the values of the team have never changed – pride, a dedication to delivering excellence and being a tight-knit community. It has been an incredible decade of growth, and we look forward to further innovation and development at our ContiLifeCycle Ivybridge site in the future.”
