According to Forbes Georgia, Tegeta Motors and Bandag, a subsidiary of Bridgestone, have signed an agreement to establish the first Bandag tyre retreading facility in the Caucasus region. The new plant, to be located in Rustavi, Georgia, will introduce Bandag’s retreading technology for truck and bus tyres, marking a significant expansion of circular tyre solutions in the region.

The project involves an initial investment of USD 2 million and is expected to begin construction in 2025, with completion targeted for late 2026. At the initial stage, the facility is planned to produce up to 5,000 retreaded tyres per year, with capacity expected to double within five years. Tegeta Motors will act as the exclusive regional operator, with retreaded tyres intended for use in Georgia and, at a later stage, for export to neighbouring markets including Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The plant will operate using Bandag’s standard retreading process, including advanced casing inspection with shearography technology to detect internal defects before retreading. Equipment sourced from Europe and the United States will be installed, and specialists from Bridgestone and Bandag will oversee construction and commissioning to ensure compliance with international quality and safety standards. Technical training for local staff is planned ahead of production start-up, followed by on-site support during the initial operational phase.

Retreaded tyres produced at the facility are expected to offer comparable performance to new tyres at 30–40% lower cost, with a service life of up to 5 years. Beyond economic benefits, the project is positioned as a contribution to sustainability, as retreading reduces demand for raw materials and energy while extending tyre life and lowering waste generation and associated emissions.

Tegeta Motors has indicated that the Bandag facility forms part of a broader strategy focused on sustainable mobility and lifecycle management of tyres, including longer-term plans to expand recycling capabilities in the region.

For more information about the topic, proceed to Forbes Georgia's article.