Conti CEO warns staff of job cuts
Photo: Continental AGContinental AG is warning staff that the company has to save three-digit millions of euros, which will result in staff lay-offs, according to German business magazine WirtschaftsWoche.
Whether its raw materials, machinery, research and development or the latest manufacturing trends, this tag provides up-to-the-minute insights into the upstream part of the tyre industry.
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Zinc alloy car parts “more sustainable”
Switching from aluminium to zinc alloys could greatly improve longevity and sustainability of automotive parts, according to a new study conducted by Cranfield University’s Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre.
Nissan Sunderland plant uncertainties remind us of Brexit risks – GlobalData
In widely reported remarks, Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta has reiterated the importance of UK-EU free trade to the future of its Sunderland manufacturing plant. The uncertainties connected with the Nissan Sunderland plant, in turn, serve as a reminder of the still-present Brexit risks.
Exide EMEA bought by lenders, but still up for sale
Following news that Exide Technologies entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on 19 May 2020, Exide has been bought by long-term lenders who have injected cash, but remains up for sale until the end of July. Specifically, the new owners of Exide EMEA and Asia-Pacific are subject to conditions outlined in the transaction document to “maintain continued employment of the company’s workforce in these regions”. For example, as part of the agreement, the ad hoc lender group has provided additional liquidity of up to $75 million. The agreement also includes a “go-shop” period with a bid submission deadline and auction to be held in early July 2020.
Exide enters bankruptcy
Exide TechnologiesOn 19 May battery manufacturer Exide Technologies entered chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, announcing “a comprehensive strategy to best position its businesses in North America, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific to benefit its employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders across the globe.” In short, the strategy puts the Exide’s US business in chapter 11 and sells the Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to the firm’s long-term lenders.
Tesla considering UK Gigafactory site
GravityThe UK government is searching for 4 million square feet of industrial space to house an electric vehicle Gigafactory. According to Property Week, the Department for International Trade (DIT) has made the request for “an electric vehicle research, development and manufacturing plant in the UK”. In addition, the 650-acre Gravity site in Somerset has been specifically linked as prospective location for the apparent Gigafactory project. And what’s more Property Week has linked Tesla to the search for the site. Taken together, the scale of the project, DIT’s confirmation that it is for vehicle research, development and manufacturing, and the suggestion that it is all for Tesla mean the project is a prospective Gigafactory.
GRI makes Sri Lanka plants Covid secure, factory back at full capacity
GRISpecialist tyre manufacture GRI says it is poised to meet the challenges of its new Covid-secure working environs by “continuing to make safety its utmost priority”.
Birla Carbon receives IATF certification across all factories
Birla Carbon, one of the world’s largest carbon black producers, has announced that all 16 of manufacturing facilities across the globe have received the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) certification. This makes Birla Carbon the first and only global carbon black manufacturer to achieve this certification.
AMTE Power and Britishvolt move towards UK’s first Gigafactory battery manufacturing factory
CC; WikipediaRoughly a year after reports suggested the UK could become home to a gigafactory, AMTE Power and Britishvolt announced plans to investigate collaborating to build the UK’s first full cycle battery cell GigaPlant, servicing the automotive and energy storage markets. Both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focussed on each other`s complementary ambitions to create and expand an onshore manufacturing supply chain. The successful outcome of the collaboration would enable scalable production of a diverse product portfolio of lithium ion batteries to support the country’s Road to Zero targets and unprecedented transition to electrification.
Conti ‘intensively’ monitoring European tyre demand and production, but R&D budgets intact
Continental AGFollowing Continental’s first quarter 2020 financial results and reports that the company is preparing to cut its R&D budgets and European tyre production, Tyres & Accessories asked executives at the company’s Hanover, Germany headquarters to comment on the proposals. According to the tyre manufacturer, Continental is “intensively” monitoring European tyre demand and production “including a review of our tyre manufacturing footprint if we conclude that volumes will not recover to expected volumes”. Furthermore, there may have been reductions in tyre testing frequency as an inevitable result of social distancing, but overall research and development budgets remain intact.
Smithers upgrades Akron lab
Smithers, which provides testing and consultancy services, has upgraded its low temperature retraction instrumentation and capabilities at its rubber physical testing laboratory in Akron, Ohio. According to the company, the new instrument offers improved temperature control for low temperature retraction and the instrument is said to be significantly more efficient, which will improve turnaround times for customers.
Vipal Machinery aims to expand internationally
Vipal, Vipal MachineryVipal’s tyre retreading equipment development has sold 56 machines since the start of its operations in 2016. According to the company, these were sent to countries in North America, South America and Oceania. Now, the plan is planning to expand internationally.
Continental AG measures ‘encouraging’, but R&D budgets and European tyre factories could be cut – analysts
Continental AGFinancial analysts from Jefferies described Continental AG’s plan for fiscal improvements during the corona-crisis “encouraging”, according to an analyst report published 15 May 2020. That Conti’s management highlighted “positive data points in China and the European replacement tyre market”, would seem to be positive indications for the whole tyre business. Specifically, replacement tyre demand was described as “strong” in Germany. However, R&D budgets are likely to be cut and there was even the suggestion that European tyre factory numbers could also be cut back.
Pirelli UK tyre production restarts from 18 May
PirelliPirelli UK is to recommence production at its plants in Carlisle and Burton-on-Trent from 18 May 2020. Initial production will be at a reduced rate, reflecting current market demand. “The company’s top priority is ensuring the health and safety of its workers and the wider community”, an official statement added.
Cooper Tire Europe restarting manufacturing in Melksham
CooperCooper Tire & Rubber Company has announced that Cooper Tire Europe plans to begin the process of reopening its manufacturing plant in Melksham, England, in the first half of June, and expects to be producing tyres there by 15 June 2020. The facility, which primarily manufactures motorcycle and racing tyres, has been temporarily closed since late March due to coronavirus.
