Tuf Treads (Dyfed) Limited has resumed retread tyre manufacturing just two years after exiting the market, investing over £3 million in a modern 22,000 sq ft Ringtread facility in Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire. The new plant represents a major return for one of the UK’s most respected small-to-medium independent retreaders.
Established in 1983, Tuf Treads had been a well-known name in the UK’s retreading landscape, especially as a long-time Marangoni Ringtread partner. Its exit from manufacturing in late 2022 was seen as a loss for the sector. The decision to return signals renewed ambition, supported by market demand and government backing.
The new site near Llanelli has been fitted with almost entirely new equipment to meet modern production and environmental standards. Key technology includes:
▪ SDS shearography system for quality control
▪ TRM Eagle Truck 2500 buffer for casing preparation
▪ TRM Ringer 2500 with integrated extruder for precision building
▪ 24-tyre autoclave enabling higher throughput
These upgrades allow for improved quality, safer workflows, and greater resource efficiency.
Tuf Treads plans to produce around 1,000 retreaded tyres monthly, gradually increasing capacity as its new technical team is trained. The operation will create 30 jobs and contribute to tyre recycling efforts that support Wales’ net zero goals. According to the company, each retreaded truck or bus tyre saves up to:
▪ 30kg of rubber
▪ 20kg of steel
▪ 60kg of CO₂ emissions
The project has received £620,000 in public funding, combining support from the Welsh Government’s Economy Futures Fund and Circular Economy initiatives.
The new facility is strategically located next to Tuf Treads’ tyre servicing site, enabling operational synergies and faster service delivery. With fewer UK-based retreaders in operation, the company’s return strengthens local supply chains and reduces reliance on imported casings or foreign retreads.
The facility was officially opened with Marangoni CEO Vittorio Marangoni and Tuf Treads founder Mike Rees in attendance. Their presence underlined the significance of the project, both for the company and for the wider retreading sector in the UK.
Tagged with: Retread tyres, Tuf Treads, Marangoni Ringtread, sustainable tyre manufacturing, tyre recycling, Welsh Government, UK tyre industry, commercial tyres
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
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