Michelin installs new retread press at plant

Michelin Retread Technologies (MRT) is increasing its production capacity, adding a new press at its Covington GA retreading operation capable of producing one million new treads per year.

The new MRT press has been designed to produce new high-technology treads and to take advantage of Michelin's advanced co-extrusion technique, a process where two different rubber compounds are combined to ensure longer life and cooler casing temperatures, maximizing the life of the casing. Michelin is currently the only manufacturer in the world offering co-extruded treads to its retread customers. The new press also will allow the company to expand its offering of wider treads for Michelin's X One wide-single tire.

Expansion of the Covington tread pressing plant is the first major expansion since the facility opened in 1999. The new retreading press along with other future additions is expected to double the volume of the facility. The facility currently produces a variety of Pre-Mold treads for MRT franchises and retread plants throughout North America.