History

1940’s

At the end of the Second World War, raw materials and manufacturing processes were still badly affected by the war effort. However, with the first signs of lasting world peace, entrepreneurs were beginning to show their worth. None more so than Mr L. W. R. Morley, the then Managing Director of North Road Tyresoles (Servcies) Limited, of Great Ponton, Grantham, and his associate Mr F. Widdowson.

The birth of Vacu-Lug Traction Tyres and all that it stands for today was formulated in the last few years of the 1940’s after the dark days of the war. Showing a new optimism and a desire to evolve a process that originated in America, Mr Morley embarked on promoting the Vacu-Lug name and enhancing the process, which subsequently became well known and used throughout the world.

Production using the Vacu-Lug process commences, with two plants manufacturing. Later the smaller Great Ponton factory is closed and all production is moved to the larger plant at Great Gonerby.

As the decade rolls on, Vacu-Lug gains recognition from the mighty Goodyear Tire Company. The Vacu-Lug process is sold under license throughout the world, the Duramold name was also seen for the first time.

Vacu-Lug produces remoulds in the following categories: Car, Truck, Tractor and Earthmover. The non-cured rubber is bought in boxes in large quantities from the new tyre manufacturers including Goodyear.

Government grants help the continuing success of the Vacu-Lug process worldwide. However, it is obvious to the company that it has to turn its attention to the Duramold range of products for the future. Poor quality casings from new tyre manufacturers continue to create problems, something the newly introduced radials share.

A massive investment programme in the late 1960's means that Vacu-Lug becomes the largest independent tyre re-processor in Europe. At that stage some 500 people are employed on a seven-day week, 24-hours a day, production process. A Barewell mould and extruder along with a Sio mould from Denmark, guarantees product quality.

The investment programme started in the late 1960's is completed and the opening of the newly extended factory at the original Gt Gonerby site in 1972 heralds a new era for the company.

A smaller plant is opened in 1974 at Colsterworth to produce earthmover and tractor tyres. Despite car remould production being stopped, production hits over 200,000 units a year for all products. For Vacu-Lug, this is a period of consolidation and the company is recognised as the number one tyre re-processor in Europe. Radial remould sales continue to increase; some new tyre sizes begin to appear, for example: 11R22.5.

Metric tyre sizes start to appear in greater numbers and the wide single is the tyre of the moment. New developments in tread design forms the backbone of the company's product range.

Signs of an economic slowdown start to affect the company and, as with all manufacturing processes, the buzzwords now are 'leaner and meaner'. A new strategy is developed to improve sales in the UK and the Colsterworth production plant is closed. All production is consolidated at the Gonerby Hill Foot site.

New techniques develop for casing inspection and ultrasound scanning. All Vacu-Lug casings are scanned prior to processing and at final inspection.

Quality is the watchword for the company, and the new systems now installed will take the company into the new millennium.

The new millennium brings new challenges for Vacu-Lug, as industry recognises the environmental benefits of retreading and increases the demand for fleet management packages that meet all their tyre needs. In addition to seeking continuous improvement in each of its product ranges, the company's spotlight is also turned on improving methods of production and distribution.

The introduction of the unique Vacu-Lug Fleet Management (VFM) system sets a new benchmark in advanced tyre fleet management technology and delivers peace-of-mind through the highest-ever levels of customer service and support.