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IF YOU want to get the low down on what’s afoot in the truck tyre market, you should pencil in the dates 12 to 14 September, 2006, when more than 100 tyre industry players will be exhibiting their wares at the Sandton Convention Centre.

According to Rowena Suthers of ECI International (organisers of the event), "Response to Tyrexpo Africa 2006 has surpassed all expectations and the show is now 75% sold out. The enthusiasm and support received by both national and international exhibitors have far exceeded out expectations. With 4 months still to go, 30% of exhibitors originate from South Africa and the sub African continent whilst 70% are from overseas. The three day show will feature tyres and tyre technology, retreads and retreading equipment, tyre production equipment, alloy wheels and wheel alignment technology, tyre repair and tyre changing equipment, fast-fit and garage equipment, balancing, nitrogen inflation, valves, tools, workshop management software, buffing equipment and tyre recycling and disposal. In short, everything relating to truck tyres and what transporters should do to get the best out of their ‘rolling rubber’."

You can pre-register at: www.eci-international.com/africa1.htm

ON THE 1st of March 2006, ADZAM (a black-owned company) acquired a 26% equity stake in Bandag SA through the purchase of shares from the current shareholders. Bandag SA is now classified as a black-empowered business. According to the official press release: "This new partnership will enhance Bandag SA’s franchise network’s ability to retain business and serve as a foundation to guarantee growth for Bandag SA and its network of independent franchisees. With preferential procurement through Bandag SA, each and every one of its franchisees will improve its compliance to the BEE scorecard. Previously inaccessible national and government business tenders can now be approached by our network of tyre management specialists."