German retreader Rigdon has taken a major step forward in its passenger car tyre retreading initiative with the purchase of 35 vulcanisation presses for bead-to-bead mould cure retreading. The first batch of presses is scheduled for delivery later this year, with the remainder arriving in 2026.
This investment is part of a wider strategic plan to revitalise car tyre retreading in Germany, a sector that has seen a decline in recent years. Supported by a €2.4 million grant from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), Rigdon is constructing a state-of-the-art passenger tyre retreading plant with an annual production capacity of 300,000 tyres.
Rigdon’s investment into car tyre retreading involves a "double-digit millions" project financed by its own resources and Hörger Group funds. The initiative includes:
✔ 35 new vulcanisation presses for bead-to-bead mould cure retreading.
✔ A highly automated production system using Industry 4.0 technologies.
✔ A new warehouse facility capable of storing 300,000 car tyres and 45,000 truck tyres.
✔ Increased focus on sustainability, reducing tyre waste and enhancing circular economy practices.
With this investment, Rigdon is positioning itself as a leader in the passenger car tyre retreading sector. Initially, the company plans to focus on van tyres and winter tyres, segments where retreaded tyres offer significant cost and environmental benefits.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond Rigdon, as it has the potential to transform the scrap tyre industry by diverting thousands of tyres from landfill and giving them a second life. The company’s commitment to sustainability aligns with broader European efforts to reduce tyre waste and carbon emissions.
One of the most significant aspects of Rigdon’s expansion is the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into its production process. By adopting automation, data-driven manufacturing, and smart technologies, the company aims to increase efficiency, improve quality control, and reduce production costs—making retreaded tyres a more attractive option for consumers and businesses alike.
Rigdon’s investment underscores a renewed focus on car tyre retreading, an industry that has long been overshadowed by new tyre production. With growing environmental concerns and government incentives, the demand for high-quality retreaded tyres is expected to rise.
As production begins in the new plant, Rigdon’s expansion is set to play a key role in reshaping the European tyre industry, demonstrating that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand.
Rigdon is investing in passenger car tyre retreading, ordering 35 vulcanisation presses and constructing a new retreading plant with an annual capacity of 300,000 tyres.
The project is financed through Rigdon’s own funds, Hörger Group investments, and a €2.4 million government grant from Germany’s BMUV Environmental Innovation Programme.
The company plans to implement highly automated production with Industry 4.0 technologies to improve efficiency and quality control.
Rigdon’s expansion could revive the passenger car tyre retreading sector in Germany while significantly reducing tyre waste and supporting the circular economy.
The first batch of vulcanisation presses arrives later this year, with the rest in 2026. Production will initially focus on van tyres and winter tyres.
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