Michelin Trial Proves ‘Food for Thought’ For Frank Wright
A year-long trial with Michelin’s XZM tyres fitted to a single forklift unit has led to animal feed manufacturer Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition International taking the plunge and switching to the Michelin brand across its mixed fleet of 20 diesel and electric powered forklift trucks. During each day the test unit operated for an average of ten hours on a range of surfaces from asphalt to concrete and grit. The Michelin shod forklift was carefully monitored during the entire period, with monthly tyre inspections to check for wear and damage.
Continue ReadingCooper Claims $10M Annual Savings From Plant Automation
The adoption of automated sort-and-palletise systems and all three of Cooper Tire’s US factories is saving an estimated US$10 million a year, the company reports. Installation of the first of such systems, which use towering gantry cranes and conveyors to sort and stack tyres by bar code, began in Findlay in May 2007 and the final system in Texarkana was signed off in February 2009. The Findlay automation system has reduced the number of manual tyre lifting touches from five to zero, and pallets of tyres previously handled three times by a forklift are now handled just once. “It’s an ergonomic improvement by having the tyres handled automatically versus people lifting them by hand,” points out Findlay plant engineer Scott Forry. The installation of the system is, comments Forry, “the largest single automation change that the Findlay plant has undertaken.”
Continue ReadingStopping Distances Slashed by New US Braking Standards
On July 24 the US based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced new braking standards that will require the “vast majority” of heavy truck tractor units to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in stopping distances compared with current levels. The new regulation, which will be phased in over a four year period beginning with 2012 models, sets out that these vehicles should be capable of stopping from sixty miles per hour in not more than 250 feet when loaded to their gross vehicle weight rating. Previous standards required a complete stop within 355 feet. When lightly loaded, the stopping distance from sixty miles per hour should be within 235 feet.
Continue ReadingCeat Sales, Profit up in Last Quarter
During the quarter ending June 30, 2009 Ceat Limited received net sales totaling Rs 6.796 billion (£86.5 million), an increase of 1.51 per cent on the same period in 2008. According to the company’s unaudited results, net profit for the quarter stood at Rs 602 million (£7.66 million), markedly up on the Rs 106.7 million loss for the quarter ending June 30, 2008.
Continue ReadingKumho Korean Production Resumes
Production at Kumho Tire’s three South Korean factories resumed on July 27 following a three-day strike. Unionised employees took this action after the tyre maker said it would fire 706 workers – some 18 per cent of its workforce – if the labour union did not agree to proposals to freeze wages and reduce fringe benefits. The union has demanded a 7.48 per cent increase in wages and bonus payments. While the dispute has not yet been resolved, union and management representatives have agreed to meet again.
Continue ReadingCobra Spring Kit For Nissan 350Z
Cobra has launched customer springs for the Nissan 350Z, which lower the customer supercar by 30mm. For those looking to keep a lid on cost - without compromising ride quality – says the company, the Cobra Spring Kit comes in the form of the Evo III coilover kit which allows full damping and rebound adjustment combined with ride-height adjustment. The bodies are constructed from stainless steel to give long and faithful service, even in the depths of a salted British winter. Prices start at £224.00 + VAT for the spring kit rising to £1,079.00 + VAT for the coilover units.
Continue ReadingSuntex Promotes Retreads
Sun Tyre Industries Sdn Bhd (Suntex) Malaysia’s largest tyre retreading company, is promoting the safety and reliability of retreaded tyres. According to national news agency Bernama, Suntexs general manager Chin Hon Meng said some people have a misconception about retreaded tyres, confusing then with some ‘over-regrooved’ tyres available in Asia. Chin said that retreaded tyres are used by over 60 per cent of the industries in Malaysia, including agriculture, mining, public transport and cargo handling. Many industrial and light commercial vehicles are using retreaded tyres. About 80 per cent of the worlds aircraft are using retreaded tyres too, he said, adding: To produce safe, reliable and good quality tyres encompasses various key processes, such as on selection of good quality casings it is essential to have proper screening using the shearography tyre test system, buffing and punctures repair, and final pre-delivery quality control checks, he said.
Continue ReadingAlan Davis Nominated as ITRPF General Secretary
Alan Davis has been nominated as general secretary of the International Tyre, Rubber & Plastics Federation (ITRPF). The decision was taken during a board meeting held at the Sheraton Conference Center at Frankfurt Airport on 6 July. It was also agreed that Jacob Peled will continue to serve as the Federation President.
Continue ReadingJenson Button To Appear at Bridgestone UK Driving Nation Launch
Bridgestone has confirmed that Jenson Button will be appearing on the second day of the launch event of its UK Driving Nation roadshow. The Driving Nation roadshow starts on Wednesday 29 July in Birmingham’s Centenary Square and runs for two days from 10:00 to 16:00. By bringing together the nation’s collective opinions on driving, Bridgestone is aiming put the pleasure back into motoring by reminding us how great it can really be. After continuing his pursuit of the World Championship at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Brawn GP’s Jenson Button will be flying in on Thursday 30 July to sign autographs and greet fans from 12:00 onwards.
Continue ReadingBritish GP Gives Dovizioso His First Bridgestone Win
What have been described as ‘incredibly challenging’ conditions at Donington Park did not prevent Repsol Honda’s Andrea Dovizioso from winning his first race on Bridgestone tyres. Although the race was declared wet before the start only the Ducati Team’s Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden chose to start on Bridgestone’s wet tyres; Dovizioso opted for Bridgestone’s soft front and rear slicks and chased Fiat Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi closely in the opening laps. After the latter fell, Dovizioso made the best use of his soft compound rubber on the slippery tarmac to extend what by lap 23 was a 13.5second lead.
Continue ReadingMichelin Supplies Harley-Davidson OE
In the US Michelin is to supply Harley-Davidson with the new Michelin Scorcher 31 tyre, Michelins first original equipment fitment for Harley-Davidson. Available exclusively as original equipment on four 2010 Harley-Davidson Dyna models, the all-new tyre was unveiled today at the Harley-Davidson summer dealer meeting in Denver. The new tyre carries both companies trademarks on its sidewalls and the signature Harley-Davidson logo carved into the shoulder. Michelin has specifically engineered this innovative and durable tyre to meet the high expectations of Harley-Davidson owners, said Gary Midkiff, vice president of Michelin North Americas two wheel division. Michelin is excited to build upon our successful relationship with Harley-Davidson as we launch this historic first original equipment fitment.
Continue ReadingDunlop India May Close Factory if Power Not Reconnected
The supply of electricity to Dunlop India’s factory in Sahaganj is still disconnected, and company chairman Pawan Kumar Ruia has threatened to close the plant if the power is not restored during the first half of August. The chairman indicates that Dunlop India is ready to resolve the matter with the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company out of court. The factory’s electricity supply was severed earlier in the year due to the non-payment of dues amounting to Rs 130 million (£1.66 million), and the company claims responsibility for this lies with the previous owner. The electricity dues got accumulated much before we took over the company. We do not know why the electricity connection was not disconnected when the dues remained unpaid for five years before we took-over. We heard lot of people ran business taking illegal connection from Sahaganj unit, Ruia stated.
Continue ReadingPirelli Second Quarter EBIT Expected at 7.9%
According to a recent Deutsche Bank investors note, Pirelli EBIT is estimated to reach 7.9 per cent in second quarter/first half results. In addition, the analysts commented: “Revenues should benefit from a lower volume decrease, -13 per cent vs. -16 per cent in the first quarter and the price mix is still very positive (+5.3 per cent versus +6.9 per cent), benefiting both from a better mix and the disciplined behaviour of manufacturers so far.
Continue Reading20-Inch Finichi Firenze Now Available
Italian Wheel Designers Finichi has announced the availability of one of its best-selling designs, the Firenze, in a 20-inch fitment. Upon releasing news of the latest fitment, Finichi commented that the Firenze has already established itself as one this seasons must-haves, thanks to its ‘aggressive split spoke design and deep stainless steel lip’. The manufacturer adds that the wheel’s pseudo split-rim bolts add the final finishing flourish. Applications include most core Japanese fitments, including 300ZX, 350Z, Evo, Supra and Skyline on the 5 x 114.3 PCD, plus most BMW fitments on 5 x 120. Width wise, both 10.5 and 9-inch can be ordered for the all-important ‘staggered’ look. Prices start at £238.40 + VAT for the 9-inch width.
Continue ReadingTrelleborg Reports Improved Operating Margin in April – June Period
In its interim report for the months between April and June 2009, Trelleborg reports that “in a difficult market situation, we have successfully managed to generate a continued strong cash flow and improved our operating margin compared with the first quarter of 2009.” The company also states that effects of its “capacity adjustments” are gradually increasing, although the sense of uncertainty regarding the future remains “great”. Net sales in the second quarter of 2009 totalled SEK 6.867 million, down 17.5 per cent on the same period a year earlier. Operating profit, at SEK 159 million, decreased 52.8 per cent year-on-year.
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