Tyres & Accessories July 2009
The July issue of Tyres & Accessories is now available to download and for virtual reading. This month's features include: EM/OTR Tyres, CITExpo Preview and Tyre Manufacturing Equipment:
Schaeffler, Employee Representatives Agree Upon Cost Cuts
Career TracksSchaeffler reports a “successful reconciliation” of its interests has been achieved. The company’s Executive Management Board and plant management representatives, in talks with labour representatives, have agreed upon a package of measures to reduce personnel costs at Schaeffler’s German locations. The total adjustment volume, required due to slack demand, amounts to €250 euros per annum. Schaeffler now reports these savings can be achieved through natural fluctuation, voluntary redundancies and partial retirement along with the continued use of short time work and reduced working hours including adjustment of salaries and wages.
Pirelli Freezes China Investment
Career TracksThe changes that have occurred in global markets since last year have prompted Pirelli to mothball its planned US$100 million investment in China. In July 2008 the company announced it would invest this sum in China over a two-year period in order to double production capacity by 2011. Yet despite at 40 per cent year-on-year increase in sales within China during the first half of 2009, weak global demand has led to a rethink in Milan.
Kumho Inaugurates New Chairman
Career TracksIn a press release that avoids mentioning the recent Park family tussle, Kumho Asiana has announced the official inauguration of the group’s fifth chairman. Chan-Bup Park, who is no relation to San-koo and Chan-koo Park, began in his official capacity following an inauguration ceremony in Seoul on the morning of July 31.
Brake Engineering – Delivering Help When Help is Needed
NewsBrake Engineering is a UK pioneer in the field of brake caliper remanufacture, and in its 28 years of business the company has grown to become a major UK and international distributor of brake discs, wheel cylinders, brake pads and shoes, fitting kits, brake caliper repair kits, and remanufactured drive shafts. To assist its distributors in these difficult times, Brake Engineering has come up with a range of ready made promotions that it calls ‘Promo Basics’. The company reports that the Promo Basics promotions – which include rewards such as free newspapers, snacks and drinks – won’t break the bank
Ruia Group Toys with European Acquisitions
Career TracksThe lights may still be out and the machinery standing idle at Dunlop India’s Sahaganj factory, but this isn’t stopping parent company the Ruia Group from eyeing up new acquisitions further afield. The Indian conglomerate is reportedly in “an advanced stage of talks” regarding the purchase of a European sealing systems company.
Kwik-Fit Expands Servicing and MOT into Corporate Sector
NewsKwik-Fit Fleet has announced plans to expand its servicing and MOT operations into the company car and van markets. According to the company, the decision was made in response to “booming demand for the services.” Currently 452 centres offer fleet servicing and MoTs, however this number will increase to 500 in the next few months. The extra 48 centres are likely to complete Kwik-Fit’s roll out to its 650-branch strong network. Some of the new centres will be equipped with two MoT bays, thus further increasing centre capacity. In order to facilitate the move, Gary Ralph, operations manager, London and the South East, has been seconded to Kwik-Fit Fleet from Kwik-Fit GB to lead a major project to accelerate the growth of fleet servicing and MoTs.
ShengdaTech Relocates to Shanghai Headquarters
NewsChina based nano precipitated calcium carbonate (NPCC) manufacturer ShengdaTech has announced plans to relocate its global headquarters from Shandong Province to Shanghai. Company president and CEO Xiangzhi Chen, CFO Andrew Chen, COO Anhui Guo and other executives are to be based at the new office, and Shanghai also serves as the chosen site for ShengdaTech's research and development centre. The company’s NPCC manufacturing operation will continue in Tai'an City and will utilise the old ShengdaTech head office at this location for various administrative functions.
Forged Qualifications of Tyre “Professionals” Uncovered
NewsFancy a promising career in the tyre world without the hassle of buckling down at your studies? Don’t fret, where there’s a will, there’s a way. But before you decide to embark on a “fake it till you make it” approach to your newly chosen profession, consider the tale of two hopeful tyre industry specialists in India.
Hankook to Sponsor Audi Cup
Product NewsThis weekend a football extravaganza is being held in Germany to celebrate Audi’s 100th anniversary. On July 29 and 30 the Allianz Arena in Munich will host four of the world’s most highly regarded teams – FC Bayern München, AC Milan, Argentine champions and three-time Intercontinental Cup winners Boca Juniors, along with our very own Manchester United. Hankook Tire will also be present at this gathering of the football world’s elite, as one of the official sponsors.
“Naturally, it is a great honour for us as one of the original equipment suppliers to Audi to be able to get involved in this sporty highlight for Audi’s hundred-year anniversary,” commented Jin-Wook Choi, executive vice-president and COO of Hankook Tire in Europe.
Marangoni Supersizes its Retreaded Machinery Range
Product NewsDemand for larger size OTR and earthmover retreads has been robust over the past couple of years, and Marangoni Tyre Machinery has now introduced a product aimed at this segment of the market. The Trio Super 63” can, as its name suggests, accommodate up to and including 63-inch size radials. Marangoni reports the unit can peel, buff and groove OTR and earthmover tyres rapidly, and as the tyres being processed can be fitted upon flanges and inflated up to 1 bar, the Italian manufacturer is confident the resultant geometric stability is maximal.
10mm of Toe Out Could Cost £200 a Farm Tyre
Product NewsIn order to witness the benefits of wheel alignment in action, Goodyear recently invited Tyres & Accessories to see a demonstration of tractor wheel alignment technology at Harper Adams University College in Shropshire. Over the years Goodyear Dunlop has developed a long-term partnership with Harper Adams and is therefore able to use this leading agricultural educational establishment’s specialist facilities (which include an off-road test track and specialised covered and open test ploughing fields) from time to time with which the company.
During the demonstration Jason Hoare, part of the technical support/sales team within Goodyear UK’s agricultural tyre department, stressed that being just 14 millimetres out of alignment (a measurement that is dwarfed by the size of your average tractor – and that has been known to be found on brand new vehicles) can reduce tyre life by 33 per cent and absorb nearly six horse power when travelling at 50 km/h.
New Kryon Forklift Range to Make its Mark by Not Leaving One
Product News‘Kryon’ is the name of a new tyre brand manufactured by Amerityre Corporation, and the company entered into a partnership with US based OTR tyre wholesaler K-2 Industrial Tire for global distribution of the range. On July 28 Amerityre announced that the first shipment of these polyeurethane forklift tyres has now been delivered to K-2.
“We are pleased to be working with K-2, and are proud to bring this new line of polyurethane forklift tyres to the market,” announced Amerityre president and CEO Michael Kapral.
Permatex Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Product NewsPermatex, the automotive maintenance chemical technology specialist, is marking its 100th year in business. The company was founded in 1909 by Constant A. Benoit Sr., a chemist, who started the business with a simple glue he developed for bonding bicycle tyres. At a 24-hour race in 1915 Benoit noticed that many of the cars were constantly blowing head gaskets and pitting for repairs. Benoit came up with a sealant that solved the problem and launched Permatex into the automotive chemical maintenance business.
According to Andy Robinson, general manager of Permatex, “We’ve come a long way since Mr Benoit’s ground-breaking effort helped change the face of endurance racing, but that same pioneering spirit that helped to launch the Permatex brand over 100 years ago continues to drive the company today. His passion for innovation is evident in the wide range of advanced products we are now developing and marketing. Our patented Gel Twist and Gel Squeeze threadlocker delivery systems, ‘torque and go’ 1-Minute Gasket, B-Force 100 per cent biodegradable lubricant, and Low-VOC, foaming action Gasket Remover are just a few of the most recent new product developments that continue Mr. Benoit’s pursuit of better solutions.”
