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Michelin Workers Strike Against Noyelles-les-Seclin Plant Closure

Michelin’s Noyelles-les-Seclin factory in northern France was reportedly brought to a standstill on June 29 by striking workers protesting against plans to close the site next year. This news was published by the AFP press service based upon information provided by Force Ouvrière union delegate Gilles Cocquerez; according to Cocquerez, ninety per cent of staff at the plant near Lille went out on strike, and between 150 and 200 people staged a march through the town centre. A spokeswoman for Michelin confirmed that the factory’s production had indeed come to a halt.

29th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Two-Year Delay for Opening of Lanxess Butyl Rubber Plant

Production at Lanxess AG’s new butyl rubber facility in Singapore was initially scheduled to commence in 2012, however the company has announced that – due to the continuing global economic crisis – the 100,000 tpa plant will now go on stream in 2014. Lanxess states it will use this extra time to finish developing an “innovative technology for butyl rubber production” that will then be used at the new facility.

“We expect the new capacity to be needed in 2014 at the earliest,“ said Lanxess Board of Management chairman Axel C. Heitmann.

29th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Sri Lankan Government Reveals Local Tyre Production Support Programme

The Sri Lankan government is reportedly discussing a programme of measures designed to support domestic tyre production. According to the local ITN news network, minister Kumara Welgama made the announcement during a debate on “supplementary estimates for the Industrial development ministry.” The support package is currently estimated to be in the region of 200 million rupees (£2.5 million) and is intended to fund “the provision of technology to enhance production capacity of industrial establishments and the receipt of new technologies.” Mould making, training and international promotion were also mentioned in the announcement.

29th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

US Hankook ‘Cubes’ Performance Parameters

Hankook Tire Corp. has launched e3 (“E-Cubed”), a new radial truck tyre technology that combines improvements in energy, economy and environment. The technology is being integrated into Hankook’s newest line haul tyres, scheduled to be available in early 2010, and makes its first appearance at the Great West Truck Show this weekend. Hankook said the “e3 is designed to increase fuel economy, allow for improved fuel savings and wear performance, as well as minimize harmful carbon dioxide discharge.”

“Energy, economy and environment – the focus areas for e3 – continue to be key concerns in today’s commercial trucking industry,” said Brian Sheehey, director of commercial tires for Hankook Tire America Corp. “By categorizing a broad range of advanced technologies under e3, Hankook will be able to demonstrate how we deliver significant benefits in each category.” e3 falls under Hankook’s overall Kontrol Technology philosophy, which “focuses on a set of proprietary innovations, applied throughout research, development and production to ensure controlled driving experiences,” the company said. (Tire Review/Akron)

26th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Goodyear Reducing Production at Tennessee Consumer Tyre Plant

As of July 6, production at Goodyear’s consumer tyre facility in Union City, Tennessee will move from a continuous operating schedule to a five-day, three-shift operation. The manufacturer describes this cutback as “another important step” in its efforts to align production in North America with current weaker industry demand.

22nd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

UK Production Figures Show Benefit of Scrappage Schemes

Car production in the UK dropped 43.0 per cent to 67,754 units during May, the smallest year on year decline during 2009 so far. And while the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders comments that the outlook remains difficult, the trade association believes positive signs are evident as manufacturers restart production following the implementation of scrappage schemes. Commercial vehicle production, on the other hand, plummeted 73.5 per cent to 4,692 units – the largest monthly drop this year.

“Prompt action by manufacturers to realign supply with demand has been painful, but was necessary,” stated SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt. “There is now a direct link between demand in the marketplace and production volumes,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “The scrappage schemes in place across Europe are now beginning to have a positive impact, although the full benefits will take a little longer to flow down to companies at all levels in the supply chain.

22nd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Avon Tyres Help Molyneux Win Manx TT

Isle of Man sidecar legend Dave Molyneux recently took his tally of Isle of Man TT victories to 14, with the assistance of some Avon tyres. Molyneux and passenger Daniel Sayle took Suzuki’s first three-wheeled victory ever on the Island. The victory on his A&J Racing Suzuki outfit also marked 20 years since Molyneux’s first sidecar victory on the island back in 1989.

The Manxman said: “The Avons worked brilliantly and were a pleasure to use. I was delighted to use Avons this year, as I’ve not used them since 1993 when I won on them. In fact my first race win at the TT in 1989 was on Avons too! The guys at BMTR put together the tyres and we picked some good compounds. It was a hard race, but we achieved what we set out to do. We had some trouble with the engine tuning but we ended up doing things ourselves, and it held together so it’s nice that we also managed to be the first bike to complete the race distance in under 59 minutes with laps over 115mph: we’re happy with that!”

19th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Sibur to Produce New Premium Compound Rubber

Sibur LLC reports that investment in a project centred on producing new rubbers at its Voronezhsintezkauchuk facility in Southwest Russia has been finalised. The project involves transferring a part of its polybutadiene rubber production to neodymium catalysts system technology (SKD-ND) plus the commencement of soluble butadiene-styrene rubber (DSSK) production.

This modified technology, says Sibur, will enable the company to produce new types of compound with durability, wear resistance and environmental parameters that compare with the highest global standards. These compounds will be used in the production of medium and premium segment tyres.

18th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

MRF Entreaties Employees to Return to Work

Unrest at the MRF Ltd factory in Arakkonam, India is now entering its second month, and the tyre manufacturer has voiced its hope for a swift resolution to the strike. In early June the company sent a letter to the plant’s 1400 workers, requesting their return to work.

“You are all aware of the difficulties that we are facing for the past few days due to all the unfortunate incidents that have happened,” the letter states. “Every day, our factory is suffering a loss of Rs 3.5 crore (£445,000). In these difficult circumstances, you must have been aware of the bonus and the wholesome amount to be paid every month. Therefore, be cautious and keep the evil forces at bay and cooperate with us on the path of success.”

16th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Pirelli Carlisle Shutdown Planned for Late June

A further temporary closure of Pirelli’s Carlisle factory is scheduled for late June. The company reports that reduced demand for tyres in European markets is the reason behind the June 27 to July 1 shutdown.

Production at the Carlisle site had been increased in May in response to anticipated market stabilisation, however company management reports that short-term demand has reached their “optimistic prediction.”

15th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

May China Tyre Production Reaches 62.35m Units

Tyre production in China during May 2009 rose 21.21 per cent year on year and 7.2 per cent over the previous month to 62.35 million units, the country’s National Bureau of Statistics has announced. The Bureau’s figures total production in the period from January to May 2009 show a 6.6 per cent increase to 237.7 million units

Synthetic rubber production fell 8 per cent year on year to 199,000 tons in May, but for the January to May period increased 0.2 per cent year on year to 1.02 million tons.

12th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Brisa 2008 Results Show Sales Increase but Profits Down

Turkish manufacturer Brisa achieved net sales of 772,203,901 Turkish liras (£306.1 million) in the year ended December 31, 2008. This result disclosed in the company’s audited statement of income, represents a 2.9 per cent increase on the previous year. Operating income, at 48,709,571 liras (£19.3 million), was down 26.1 per cent on the 2007 financial year, and although profits of 31,795,956 (£12.6 million) liras were 49.1 per cent lower than the previous year, Brisa remained in the black during the year. The company’s domestic sales came to 610,590,748 liras (£242.0 million), a rise of 5.8 per cent. Exports declined 1.2 per cent during the year to 247,181,348 liras (£98.0 million).

11th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Brisa to Suspend Production

According to Forbes, Turkish tyre manufacturer Brisa has given word it will suspend production between July 27 and August 6 due to weak demand.

10th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Pirelli Carlisle Returns to Contractual Hours

Pirelli Industrial reports that its Carlisle tyre plant will return to contractual hours from the 2 May 2009 – July 2009.

8th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Resumes Truck Tyre Production in Poland

Production at Michelin Polska’s Olsztyn facility has resumed after a six-week pause. Lower demand for truck tyres led to the plant in northeast Poland halting production in April; initially a one-month stoppage was planed, however management decided to extend this by two additional weeks. Although production has now recommenced at Olsztyn, Michelin says it cannot rule out further short-term stoppages.

22nd May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors