Vipal is opening a new distribution center in the city of Los Angeles.
The company reports that it will serve the Western regions of the U.S. and Canada. Vipal already has two other DCs in the U.S. – one in Florida and another in Virginia. With the addition of this new investment, Vipal will have a structure with a capacity of 1,500 positions for pallets of tread stock.
The Los Angeles DC is being run by local partner JAS Forwarding (which also operates the Florida DC). Vipal describes the move as a way of boosting its presence in the country, which will enable further growth in the world’s largest market for retreaded tires, the U.S.
"Vipal has been in the U.S. for approximately 20 years, with its operation focused on the South and the East Coast, where 60% of the country’s retreading market is concentrated, and also on eastern and southern Canada. We have built a strong name in this market and thus our products became known in the West," says Plínio de Luca, director of sales and marketing at Vipal.
He points out that, given the level of maturity the Vipal brand has achieved, the company decided to enter this market, which is highly demanding due to California’s regulations in terms of the environment, and the U.S. EPA’s SmartWay fuel efficiency program.
"Vipal is prepared for this and, as a result, will consolidate its objective to internationalize its products and solutions. This operation will add an additional volume in a short period of time, which could double our market share," he said.
In addition to its three factories in Brazil, Vipal has six other distribution centers in Spain, Germany, Slovenia, Australia, Mexico and Colombia. It also has branches in nine locations besides the U.S.: Spain, Germany, Slovenia, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. (Tyres & Accessories)
