The preservation and continued use of tires is a topic of growing importance. This is also true at the Autopromotec trade fair, which starts on May 21, 2025, in Bologna. Vipal Rubber, dedicated solely to tire repair since its founding decades ago, is one of the largest rubber companies in the world, not only producing the appropriate materials but also machines for tire retreading. From its inception in Brazil, the focus has been on dimensions for truck and agricultural vehicles. With this week's trade fair appearance, the company celebrates 20 years of presence in Europe. On this occasion, Vipal has come up with some special features. Among other things, an interactive information kiosk at the booth provides information about the products on display.
Tire Tread Program
Additionally, three special treads from the tire retreading program will be on display:
The DV-UMe, which was the first to be manufactured exclusively for electric vehicles.
The VT570, developed for the requirements of the EMEA market, features a block design that supports torque distribution and is intended to increase mileage.
And finally, the VL110LA: its special feature is a profile with wings that aims to optimize the finishing on the sidewall of the retreaded tire and features a groove design that prevents stones and objects from getting stuck. Improved water drainage in the direction of travel is also assured for the new tread.
Machine Program
Another focus at the Vipal booth will be on tire retreading machines. The VR01 Smart DUO will be on display, featuring a turret system that is said to guarantee a performance of up to 35 tires per hour.
The VOC760, on the other hand, is certified for an excellent application of rubber in an outstandingly short execution time. The report states: “In this way, the state-of-the-art automation components are optimized, which reduces raw material consumption and offers greater precision and uniformity in the application of the material to the tire.”
Federico Schmidt, General Manager of Vipal in Europe, is delighted about the renewed opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the automotive industry and to exchange ideas with other professionals.
Vipal had already presented itself at Autopromotec when it entered the European market in 2005:
“Our participation in such a renowned trade fair as Autopromotec testifies to the recognition we have achieved since the opening of Vipal’s European branch in 2005. It especially underscores brand awareness among customers and in the marketplace and enables dialogue about important future topics.”
Other content at Autopromotec 2025 will include the announcement of the winners of the Recircle Award on Thursday, May 22. The award honors worldwide achievements in the circular economy in the tire industry. The winners are selected by a committee consisting of 15 professionals from the industry as well as 13 other qualified individuals from the industry.
Vipal is positioned in four of the total 22 categories: “Best Tread Rubber Supplier,” “Best Supplier of Equipment for Tire Retreading,” and - with Vipal's sales representative in the USA, Leonardo Oliveira - “Best Employee of the Year.” Finally, the Universidade Corporativa da Vipal is competing in the category “Tyre Industry Education Award,” the education award for the tire industry.
Founded in 1973 in Brazil, Vipal Rubber claims to be the market leader in Latin America for tire retreading and repair. Since 2012, the activities have targeted not only the retreading and repair of tires for passenger cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles, but also the production of motorcycle tires. They entered the manufacturing of machines for tire retreading in the truck and agricultural machinery sector in 2016. Today, Vipal employs about 3,000 people worldwide and exports around 30,000 tons of rubber material globally from its seven production facilities worldwide - five in Brazil, one in Argentina, and one in the USA. According to their own information, the total capacity is over 20,000 tons per month.
Since beginning operations in Europe in 2005, the European headquarters are located in Valencia. European distribution centers are located in Spain, Slovenia, and England. The company's own university Univipal, established in 2013, has trained around 70,000 participants on-site and online. According to Vipal, with its 13 laboratories, it has one of the largest research and technology centers in the world in
