Univergomma pursues growth investing in people

If the tire industry were a river, the world of distributors would be its course. In fact, between the production of a tire in a factory and its assembly in a workshop we find distribution companies whose mission is to deliver the tire to dealers. This is the case with the Univergomma Group, now a major international player in tire distribution. We talked about it with Alexandra Peccia marketing manager of Univergomma.

 

How did Univergomma come into being?

"Univergomma was at first created as Universalgomme in 1956 by Enzo Peccia and Eugenio Marchesi.

The first plant was located not far from the current headquarters and dealt with tire retreading. In the 1970s Universalgomme became the present Univergomma. In those years Univergomma expanded into Tuscany and Umbria and following the expansion Enzo Peccia decided, in 1980, to buy the entire company, opening a new and much larger plant a few years later."

 

How is 2022 going and what are the prospects for next year?

"Overall, we are satisfied with the trend despite having to deal with current socio-political issues in our country. Obviously, we feel the weakening purchasing power and what were once certainties in the market have now turned into uncertainties. But Univergomma has always been a reliable partner in the world of tire distribution, not only in terms of quality and efficiency, but also for the professional approach and the determination in making significant investments and carrying out business developments. To date, we can be satisfied with a year that has been growing both in volume and turnover, up by an average 15 percent over the previous year. Thus, we expect a positive trend for the winter season as well."

 

From your vantage point, what are the strengths of the distribution business?

"Distribution for Univergomma has never been about pure sales but mainly about direct relationship with the customer (or distributor, in the case of Momo Tires abroad). In fact, over the years, many projects were started and carried out, thanks to the foresight of the Peccia brothers, Massimo, Marco and Marcello, who at the helm of the historic Florentine company have been able to establish relationships with customers that have lasted in some cases for more than 20 years. In distribution, it is essential to take care of every aspect, even the smallest details, that will lead the final customers in their final choice. Univergomma has always focused on the quality of the products offered, not only for premium brands but also for quality and budget lines of products. In addition to the quality of the product, the quality of the service that Univergomma Group provides to its customers on a daily basis is crucial, which is why major investments are made every year in all areas, logistics, IT, and administration."

 

How would you summarise your experience at Autopromotec and what feedback did you get from it?

"Autopromotec is a key event, impossible to miss, where the public forms a strong empathy with the company. As a point of reference in the Italian market, we were satisfied with the last participation in Autopromotec, customers from all over Italy, but not only, and from all sectors, car, truck and agriculture/earthmoving, poured in. We felt our visitors’ enthusiasm for the products on display and for the official presentation of the new Momo Tires M300, which is also currently available in Italy and has obtained the European "A" rating (the highest) for wet grip.

 

What news and business projects do you have planned?

"We have new products planned for 2023 that we will unveil in the coming months - we are convinced that customers and the market will appreciate them!"