Bandag's largest retread technology launch in the last 20 years has touched off record-setting demand for new equipment, the company says.

At its Alliance Business Conference in early February, Bandag unveiled a new tire builder, casing analyzer and extruder. The company also launched its new tire information management technology, SystemBandag.
By the end of the three-day conference, nearly 40% of the dealers in attendence had indicated an intention to purchase at least one of the new machines (approximately 170 units). Bandag said many other dealers indicated that orders would be submitted in the near future.
But the story is much bigger than the potential for record equipment sales, says Bandag Chairman and CEO Martin Carver. "While all the noise about the churning in the distribution channel was attracting a lot of attention, Bandag was steadily building a stronger, more focused dealer network. Today the Alliance is streamlined, solidified and highly capable of providing trucking fleets with the best possible programs, information, products and tire related services available."
In addition to SystemBandag and the new equipment, Bandag rolled out more new franchise support programs, including College of Sales for dealer commercial sales representatives and service management seminars for dealer principals. An Alliance Excellence Program, due to start this year, will enable Alliance dealers to compare the relative strengths of their businesses with other dealerships and plan strategies for improvement.