Vaculug: retreading the road to sustainability
Vaculug is a commercial tyre retreading specialist based on a 12-acre site in Grantham, Lincolnshire, which produces retreads for fleets across the UK as well as offering fleet management solutions.
“The last 12 months have been about consolidating the work we’ve been doing over the last three years,” said Jorge Crespo, managing director (pictured, right).
“Following its change of ownership, the company has experienced a turnaround. While Vaculug is a well-established company with a rich history and all the benefits that brings, we were in a position where we needed to bring about cultural change.
“The business was not particularly dynamic, so we’ve been doing a lot of work to transform the culture and recruit talented, lateral thinkers from both within and outside the industry… We have also invested heavily in more modern technologies, equipment, and tooling to drive process efficiency. Additionally, we decided it was important to be more forward thinking, in terms of being less reliant on human input and more focused on automating systems and processes.
“From the pandemic to inflation, the last three years have been very volatile, and we’ve faced different challenges, but it’s been about navigating and weathering the storm, while implementing our long-term vision. It has worked out well. We are going to have a very good year this year, both financially and in terms of growth in products and services.”
Previously, he reports, approximately 70 per cent of turnover was product-based, whereas today, it’s more of an equal balance between product and fleet management services.
“We provide services to a range of clients operating in different sectors, such as supermarkets, recycling, waste management, councils, and logistics. In 2020, we handled about 50,000 vehicles,” he continued.
“By the end of 2024, that number will have doubled.”
Vaculug emphasises its commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
“We are in the recycling business,” said Jorge.
“So, we are effectively part of the circular economy. Our retreading processes extend the life of tyres, reducing the need for new raw materials and minimising waste. Vaculug is dedicated to reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling resources whenever possible. Our commitment to the environment extends to energy conservation.
“Our facilities are designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating technologies that minimise energy consumption. By embracing renewable energy sources and implementing smart energy management systems, we’re reducing our carbon footprint and leading by example. Equally, our vehicles are all either hybrid or fully electric.”
Vaculug says its approach to sustainability extends beyond the boardroom to encompass responsible corporate governance.
“We are working on several social responsibility initiatives,” Jorge added.
“We actively engage with communities, rolling up our sleeves and getting involved in projects that bring about positive transformation. It’s not just about giving; it’s about being present, being part of the community, and making a direct impact. We collaborate with local institutions and charities. From education to environmental conservation, healthcare to community development, our charitable initiatives span a spectrum of causes.
“Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and educational support, people can come and learn about different aspects of the company. In this way, we’re helping to pave the way for future leaders.”
He continued: “In terms of innovation, we aim to anticipate the future needs of our consumers, as well as take the developments in vehicle manufacturing into account. We also developed a sustainability forum this year, where we can brainstorm the next big thing alongside service providers and fleet managers. This gives us the opportunity to assess market needs… It’s surprising how beneficial these types of initiatives can be.”
Looking to the future, Jorge said: “Manufacturing in the UK is very expensive, when compared to other parts of the world, and the competitive, cost-effective products coming from Asia are a challenge for us. So, we need to do things differently to remain competitive.
“From inflation to raw materials and labour shortages, there will always be challenges, but that doesn’t mean they’re insurmountable. I see opportunities as well. We are in a market that is very dynamic. The UK market is at the forefront of Europe. You have to be very competitive, which means you have to be very resourceful as well. So, there is massive opportunity for us,” he concluded.
