The 6th edition of Tyrexpo Africa 2016 was held at Sandton Convention Centre from March 8 to10, 2016. The exhibition played host to close to 100 exhibitors from 19 countries, many of whom were keen to expand their business to the African continent.
Protekta A. Banilis Firm, a leading wholesaler of quality Russian manufactured truck and agricultural tyres based in Lithuania was exhibiting at Tyrexpo Africa and in Africa for the very first time. Mr Edvardas Zaleckis – Head of Export Department explained that they were at the event to learn about the African tyre market and to introduce the proven merits of the tough and resilient Russian tyres into South Africa and the African Continent. “We are eager to speak with as many African visitors as possible so we can access how to professionally promote some of our popular Russian tyre ranges into this vast market. Ideally in the long term, we would like to appoint distribution partners for this market,” said Edvardas.
Based in Singapore, Global Tap Pte Ltd, is another progressive international tyre wholesaler who is also making their very first appearance at the show. Their primary objective is to introduce and promote their Gremax private brand in South Africa and the entire African Continent. Mr Daniel Eng, Global Tap’s Export Director explained that the Gremax range has been exclusively manufactured as a premium budget tyre for South Africa and Africa. He adds “The Gremax brand which concentrates on the PCR and 4×4/SUV sector is getting established as a quality brand. We are here at the show to meet people and companies in the African market, with the aim of looking towards appointing distributors/agents in as many African countries as possible.”
Supporting the needs of businesses in South Africa
This year’s edition also highlighted the very important issue of tyre recycling, a key by product of the tyre trade in South Africa. According to Mr Hermann Erdmann, the CEO of Recycling Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (REDISA), the organisation is dedicated to supporting and promoting a responsible tyre collection programme for waste tyres. He says “Currently there are 210,000 tons of waste tyres in the country and in 2012 only 4 per cent were being collected. However through REDISA’s professional programme, around 70 per cent of tyres are now being collected and delivered to approved recyclers around the entire country. This is a fantastic and worthwhile achievement in just over three years.”
The Gauteng Growth & Development Agency (GGDA) was also present as a show of their commitment to creating an environment conducive for investment in South Africa. During his presentation at the TechTalk Seminar, Mr Clifford Ndlovu, Acting Manager, for GGDA urged companies to leverage on GGDA’s global networks for support.
Keeping relevant in a challenging business environment
According to Ms Eileen Hair, Project Director of Tyrexpo Series “We are heartened by the response to our event, which is meant to be more than just another tyre exhibition. We have created additional knowledge platforms, business and networking opportunities at Tyrexpo Africa 2016 for buyers and sellers to meet, build critical contacts and gain a deeper understanding on the industry. In order to help our exhibitors stay at the forefront of the industry and kept up-to-date in this competitive business landscape, we need to constantly innovate and remain relevant in this fast-changing environment.”
Visitors and exhibitors alike were encouraging in their support for the show, sharing their feedback on areas which they enjoyed, as well as offering suggestions and ideas for the next edition.
“I have gained a lot of knowledge and I can’t wait to come for the next edition.” said Mingi Moroe, Executive Director – Small Business Development, Bontlet Tyre Recycling, who visited the exhibition on day 2.
Drs. Cyril Versteeg, Commercial Manager for Van Den Ban Group Holding, who was exhibiting at Tyrexpo Africa 2016 for the very first time had this to say “This is a new venture for our company and our presence at the show revolves around exploring the African market and hopefully talking to various people in the market plus promoting the proven merits of our established Novex brand. We are also looking to hopefully meet and in due course, appoint distribution partners in South Africa and in as many African countries as possible. South Africa is the gateway to the neighbouring countries. For sure if we want to expand our business further in this part of the African continent, Tyrexpo Africa is the show for us.”
According to Peter Zhang, Sales Director, Qingdao Qizhou Rubber Co. Ltd., “We came here to meet our existing customers and to find new leads. Our new agriculture and construction tyres have proven to be very popular in the South African market. In my opinion, this has been a good show for us, with good quality visitors, a number of whom we are already in negotiations with. I will definitely be back for 2018.”
The next edition of Tyrexpo Africa will be held in 2018.