Bridgestone Bandag Launches New Products, Marketing Push

Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions introduced two new products – the Bandag brand BDR-HT3 tread and the Firestone FT455 Plus trailer tire – in addition to a new marketing campaign.

The BDR-HT3 tread is designed for LTL fleet customers operating single-axle tractors. Used in the drive axle position, it incorporates an innovative tread compound and tread pattern that resists tears and delivers outstanding mileage and exceptional wear, the company said.

The bow tie-shaped tread block distributes torque forces evenly for reduced block stress, while the wider, buttressed shape design strengthens the block, helping it stand up to heavy torque and braking. Tie bars link tread blocks to neighboring blocks, reducing the effects of tearing and cracking. An interlocking tread design and slightly angled block edges combat heel and toe wear, BBTS said.

The Firestone-brand FT455 Plus trailer tire is built for exceptional fuel efficiency without sacrificing removal mileage, and is approved for use on SmartWay-certified equipment, the tiremaker said.

Designed for free-rolling positions, including trailer axles, tag axles and converter dollies, this tire will be available in March. The FT455 Plus promotes long, even wear with its classic five-rib design and shallow 12/32-inch original tread depth. For added durability, solid shoulder ribs combat tearing and chunking damage that can occur from curbing. Straight flow-through tread grooves and extensive rib siping evacuate water for solid wet traction, according to BBTS

In addition to the new products, which were introduced at the Bridgestone Bandag Executive Symposium, a new annual meeting for Bridgestone, Firestone and Bandag dealers held last week in Marco Island, Fla., BBTS rolled out a new brand campaign.

The campaign, which breaks nationally this month and will appear in trade publications for commercial truck fleets and commercial tire dealers, highlights BBTS’ unique ability to customize complete tire programs for individual fleets.

Featuring images of trucks built out of thumbprints, the campaign illustrates the personalized solutions that BBTS develops for customers and highlights the company’s understanding that every fleet seeks to lower its overall operating costs, said Tim Chen, vice president of marketing, BBTS.

“The BBTS network is focused is on finding ways to make a customer’s business more successful by providing go-the-extra-mile service. BBTS teammates and dealers use a mix of programs, services, information and products to personalize a program for each fleet customer. The brand campaign encourages fleets to consider the primary thing that distinguishes the BBTS network — the company’s personalized approach,” the company said.

GRI recently conducted programs in Sri Lanka to empower women and motivate children under its Green x Circle initiative. The company said these endeavors aimed to address the needs of the community, focusing on both women empowerment and youth motivation.

GRI recently organized a training program titled "Management of household finance under current economic conditions" at the Ingiriya Rubber Collecting Center in Sri Lanka, South Asia led by Shashika Nimali, an NLP practitioner and life coach. The company said this initiative provided women in the industry with essential skills and knowledge to effectively manage household finances. GRI's tailored training sessions equipped participants with tools for informed decision-making, ultimately fostering greater financial security and independence, the company said.