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.
The outlook for global tyre manufacturers looks like being “a bumpy ride”, says Business Week. With the global tyre business worth an estimated US$70 billion, the major players are facing pressure from increased raw material prices and the growing burden of employee benefit costs.
Continental AG and Motorola, Inc. have jointly announced that the
companies have entered into an agreement under which Continental will acquire Motorola’s automotive electronics business for approximately US$ 1 billion in cash. The transaction includes Motorola’s controls, sensor, interior electronics and telematics businesses.
A small Airblast modular blast room has provided D&S Factors with a self-contained blast cleaning facility for preparing tractor wheels. As well as stocking new and reconditioned standard products from leading agricultural wheel OE companies, D&S also manufactures its own range of special products such as rowcrop wheels, wide flotation wheels and grassland wheels for use on golf courses, parks etc.
Due to an increasing demand for its products, D&S Factors began restructuring its manufacturing factory at Donington, near Spalding. As part of this development a great deal of thought was given to the installation of a new surface preparation facility. “We have always known that the efficient surface preparation of wheels prior to painting is vital to ensure a quality end product,” said manager, David Tasker. “We used to do our blast cleaning in a home-made room – a rubber lined shed really – using a small open nozzle blast machine.”
Performance exhaust manufacturer Milltek Sport has recently moved into a Logistics and Sales Centre at Pride Park, Derby. This move is the springboard for a new phase of expansion. Chief Executive Phil Millington commented, “This hi-tech Centre is a key factor in our further expansion programme, not only in the UK but also worldwide, since we are now exporting to some 40 countries. Our technical and manufacturing base remains at Ilkeston, where we have a highly skilled and closely-knit team and Pride Park will perfectly complement this.”
Next month’s Tyres & Accessories features our annual coverage of the wheel market. This time the magazine will provide in-depth analysis of what is going on in the undeniably influential Chinese manufacturing base balancing this with coverage from much closer to home. Pick up April’s magazine for industry leading editorial content in this segment.
Michelin North America (Canada) Inc today announced details of an initiative aimed at contributing to the economic regeneration and long-term prosperity of the Waterloo Region.
Michelin Development will be headed by John Tully, a long-time Michelin North America, Inc. executive. According to the company, Tully brings experience in community relations and customer service to the programme. He will relocate to Kitchener from Greenville, South Carolina to establish the company’s office.
(Akron/Tire Review) According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s (RMA) Tread Rubber Market Analysis Committee, total tread rubber shipments will increase 2.8% in 2006, up from 1.9% growth in 2005. The increase will be fueled by economic growth, a strong demand for OTR tyres and heavy truck-traffic volumes, the RMA committee reported.
(Akron/Tire Review) The fourth annual China International Tire Expo (CITExpo), which will be held 6-8 September at the Shanghai Everbright Exhibition Center in Shanghai, China, is expected to be a great success, with 200 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and technology in 8,000 square meters of exhibition space.
For the second year in a row, Tire Review serves as the exclusive US media sponsor for CITExpo. Other key media supporters include Tire Review partners Tyres & Accessories and Rubber Asia.
(Akron/Tire Review) Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has undertaken what it calls “a landmark study” to document the economic influence of automotive and heavy-duty suppliers.
The study, which is scheduled to be completed in November, will analyze the economic contribution of suppliers to the nation’s economy and will provide data on both a national level and state-by-state breakdown, MEMA said.
(Akron/Tire Review) Jerry Long has joined Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. as an unnamed position “to assist in the worldwide integration of Cooper’s global supply chain network,” according to the company. Long’s responsibilities will include global purchasing, warehousing and distribution, logistics and transportation and planning. He is an 18-year veteran with Dana Corp. with domestic and international experience in finance, accounting and manufacturing.
CEAT Kelani Associated Holdings is to invest 300 million rupees (£1.67 million) into the radialisation of its Kelaniya, Sri Lanka plant Managing director Rohan Fernando explained that the new equipment would produce tyres for “light weight vehicles.” Local news sources have reported that the manufacturing upgrade will be funded by local banks.
Goodyear Engineered Products has appointed Jim Pecorelli as vice president and general manager of its North America region. Pecorelli had been director of global manufacturing since 2003. Prior to that, he held general manager positions for Goodyear’s industrial power transmission product, hose and conveyor belt businesses over an eight-year span. Pecorelli joined Goodyear in 1982.
“Jim’s expertise and leadership skills strengthen the link between our sales and marketing, manufacturing and supply chain operations to support continued sales growth,’” said president Tim Toppen. ‘”Externally, he knows our customers and understands the markets and channels. Internally, he has led our commercial and manufacturing teams.”
(Akron/Tire Review) With its operations in China growing quickly, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. brought in an outside expert to head that business. Margaret Sheng was named vice president of Cooper’s China operations and will be based in Shanghai, China.
Most recently, Sheng was regional executive director for Lear Corp. in central and southern China, and she has worked as director, general manager and operations manager for automotive manufacturers in China, Spain, the Philippines and US.
Radik Ilyasov, CEO of Russian tyre maker Nizhnekamskshina, has described the company’s plans to build a $180 million new truck tyre manufacturing plant. Iiyasov told CentreInvest analysts that the company will build the plant by 2009 and it will be capable of producing 600,000 radial tyres a year. The project will involve foreign participation, either through a JV or via a licensing arrangement. In line with this, Nizhnekamskshina intends to complete its reconstruction of a $180 million rubber mixing line by 2007.
Superior Industries International, Inc has announced that it has awarded new contracts from General Motors to supply large-diameter aluminum wheels for passenger vehicles and SUVs. The programmes are said to represent a combination of new and replacement business.
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