KalPRO, a new sub-brand of Kal Tire, represents a collection of innovative tools and offerings developed to enhance safety, efficiency and productivity
VERNON, BC—Kal Tire’s Innovation Centre in western Canada has been designing and producing proprietary tooling for nearly 10 years to help improve safety and efficiency for its mining tire technicians. From tools that reduce fatigue and strain to ones that eliminate high risk, KalPRO tools enable technicians to perform work with greater ease, efficiency and safety. Now, some KalPRO tools will be available to technicians globally through Haltec / AME International, a leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of tire service tools.
Kal Tire has a longstanding commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, driven by its team members who identify challenges and opportunities in the field. Until now, these tools were exclusively used by Kal Tire teams on the sites where they work. As they have proven to make a difference, interest in using them outside of Kal Tire has been building.
“We believe it’s our responsibility to make our work around the wheel as safe as possible, so we’ve focused on reinvesting in our teams, the tools they use and the way they work,” says Dan Allan, senior vice president, Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group. “Our KalPRO tools go such a long way in protecting technicians and we saw this partnership with Haltec and AME as a valuable way to bring those benefits to the entire industry.”
The first tool to be widely available through Haltec’s AME International catalogue will be the KalPRO ValveShield. A heavy-duty magnetic valve housing that prevents rocks and debris from displacing valve stems and causing tire failure. This device has proven to provide substantial productivity savings on mine sites across numerous regions. The KalPRO ValveShield will be on display and available for order taking at the upcoming MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, Sept. 24-26, at both Kal Tire’s booth (West Hall, #12303) Haltec’s (Central Hall, #4649) and AME International’s (West Hall, #12948).
“This represents an ideal partnership. Some of the best ideas come from people looking for a better way to achieve a result. Kal Tire changes nearly every sized tire that is made and can field test in several environments,” says Keith Jarman, president of AME International. “Haltec and AME’s global distribution network can help deliver these innovations to the industry effectively, improving efficiencies and safety.”
Also on display at Kal Tire’s MINExpo booth, will be another highly anticipated KalPRO tool, WheelJaws, which uses remote-controlled clamps that take technicians out of harm’s way during the final and most dangerous step of tire and wheel assembly removal. Other KalPRO tools that have been developed and deployed in Kal Tire operations include:
- GATR, Gravity Assist Tooling Rig for weightless operation of heavy tools like 36-kg torque guns
- RamDrive, securing rams for safer bead breaking
- SpringLock, for safer lock ring installation and removal
“Our relationship with Haltec spans decades of collaboration and mutual trust,” says Allan. “We look forward to adding more of our KalPRO tools to the Haltec and AME catalogue in months to come.”
ABOUT KAL TIRE
Kal Tire is one of Canada’s largest independent tire dealers and one of North America’s largest commercial tire dealers with warehouse facilities strategically located across Canada servicing over 260 Kal Tire retail and commercial stores. Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group is an international leader in mining tire service and supply, operating on more than 150 mine sites across five continents. The company owns and operates six OTR retreading facilities located in Canada, the United Kingdom, West Africa, Chile and Mexico. Kal Tire employs more than 6,500 team members. For more information on Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group, please visit http://www.kaltiremining.com/en/
ABOUT HALTEC CORPORATION
Haltec Corporation is recognized worldwide as a leading manufacturer of specialty tire valve systems and pressure inflation solutions. Established in 1970, Haltec maintains its corporate headquarters, manufacturing, and distribution services in Ohio. As an ISO 9001/2000 certified company, Haltec Corporation’s Quality Policy is to lead the tire valve systems industry by meeting or exceeding industry standards and customer requirements. Their on-site engineering & custom design is complemented with a state-of-the-art machine shop, soldering, fabrication, custom-bending, and product assembly services. Haltec, while upholding their role as a US manufacturer, has also prioritized developing solutions that enhance safety in wheel assembly. Through innovative accessories and equipment, they ensure that the safety of technicians and drivers remains the top priority.
ABOUT AME INTERNATIONAL
AME International is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing tire service tools and equipment. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, AME International serves a wide range of industries, including automotive, construction, mining, and heavy-duty OTR vehicles. Through its ACME Division, AME specializes in providing maintenance equipment tailored to the agricultural, construction, and mining industries.