Ironhead Rubber Technologies

Technology and Process: Ironhead’s quality control process focus starts by utilizing specialized equipment to conduct nondestructive inspection of tires capable of detecting nail holes and as well as shearography technology ( a form of X-ray) with the ability to identify abnormalities in tires that would otherwise not be visible with the naked eye. A proprietary retread plant operating system developed by Ironhead uses barcodes to track each and every tire through the retread process. The system not only provides data used to manage quality and productivity in the plant it is also capable of generating valuable reporting information that can be used by fleet supervisors to manage their retread program and casing banks. In addition Ironhead has designed and engineered a complete line of application and compound specific tread patterns capable of providing dealers with all the tools they will need to look after their fleet customers. The lineup includes patterns such as the DR850 designed to deliver the highest level of traction in snow and ice, the DC375 engineered with an extra deep tread for long cycles in on/off-road applications, and the DL815 our premium line-haul service drive pattern, designed for long mileage and a smooth, quiet ride. Production and Customer Service: Ironhead’s 21,500FT facility currently employs 6 retread technicians with a combined 88 years of retread experience. The plant has been designed and equipped to process 220 retreads in a 10-hour work day with administration and production staff numbering 20 employees. “Dealers want a quality product with prompt and consistent turnaround times to meet the needs of their customers. Everything we have done has been governed with those specific needs in mind” said Leclair.