production Archives - Page 41 of 74 - Tyrepress

Posts

MG Rolls Off Production Line at Longbridge

The 130 or so workers who were able to return to work at Longbridge may have found it a relief, but market watchers and union representatives are similarly sceptical about the long-term prospects for Nanjing Automobile-produced MGs in Birmingham. Nanjing has not confirmed how much of the new (bright orange) MG was actually built in Britain. According to reports, its engine was definitely made in China. Nanjing originally said it plans to build 15,000 cars a year at Longbridge in the “first phase.” This compares with 200,000 MGs that the corporation is planning to build at its plant in China. And as long as production remains at 15 per cent of its pre-closure levels the prospects for factory suppliers remain similarly uncertain.

31st May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Goodyear Set to Spend $125 Million at Plant

(Akron/Tire Review) News reports out of Alabama say that Goodyear plans to pour $125 million into upgrades and new equipment at its nearly 80-year-old Gadsden, Alabama, tyre plant. Reportedly the investment will come over three years. Plant manager Jim Davis told the Gadsden Times that, “The capital that we’re investing here will bring process capability and production capability that just do not reside here at this times. The investments in our plant will definitely help improve our plant’s viability and competitiveness.”

Goodyear is also getting help from the local government, said reports, with the Gadsden City Council approving $125 million in tax abatements. The Gadsden plant was one of the Goodyear plants that were given “protected status” in the recently signed master contract with the United Steelworkers, meaning it will likely remain operational through 2010.

23rd May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Kuo and Cabot to Further Invest in Mexican Carbon Black Production

Grupo Kuo, S.A.B. de C.V., formerly known as Desc, S.A.B. de C.V. has announced that it and Cabot International Capital Corporation, shareholders of carbon black manufacturer Nhumo, S.A. de C.V. have approved capital investment plans for the Nhumo production facility in Altamira, Mexico. The capital investment plans include the installation of a new cogeneration unit, as well as machinery and equipment upgrades that will increase the plant’s nameplate production capacity to approximately 150,000 tonnes per year by 2008.

The additional capacity will allow Nhumo to respond to increasing demand for carbon black in Mexico, already one of the world’s highest volume traders in the commodity. Kuo ranks as one of Mexico’s largest industrial groups, with annual sales of approximately US$1.8 billion and some 10,500 employees.

22nd May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Matador Supplies China’s Triangle

(Akron/Tire Review) Matador’s machinery unit has signed an agreement to sell 10 tyre production machines to China tyremaker Triangle. The deal, said the Slovakian tyre and equipment producer, is worth 11.33 million euros. “With this contract, Matador has confirmed its important position among Slovak exporters,” said Matador group spokesman Dusan Koblisek.

18th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

OTR Tyre Shortage Hits Botswana Mining Industry

Officials at a mine in Botswana claim the inability to source sufficient earthmoving tyres has led to almost a third of their 240 tonne load trucks being put out of action. This tyre supply crisis is occurring at the Jwaneng mine, owned by Debswana, the world’s largest producer of gem diamonds and one of the two largest mining operators in Botswana. Jwaneng mine section manager Kabelo Letlhoma said that, with each truck hauling 7,000 tonnes of soil per day, having seven of the mines 22 trucks laid up has created a negative impact on the mine’s production, and he believes that the re-opening of several dormant mines in China have contributed to the tyre shortfall.

Mining is responsible for approximately 34 per cent of Botswana’s GDP and half of the country’s taxes, so the OTR tyre shortage has the potential to have a marked impact on national well being. Mr Letlhoma said the shortage of tyres at the Jwaneng mine began in late February, and mine authorities do not expect the situation to normalise until 2011.

15th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

New BOD for Sibur-Russian Plant

Sibur Russian Tyres have announced that a new Board of Directors for their Yaroslavsky tyre manufacturing facility by the shareholders of this operation at an annual meeting scheduled for June 15. In addition, accounting and auditing commissions are to be elected, along with an auditor.

The Yarolsavsky plant, located 250 kilometres northeast of Moscow in the city of Yaroslavl, is one of four plants operated by Sibur Russian Tyres, and is responsible for the production of passenger car, truck and aviation tyres.

9th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Pneu-Power For 101 Extraction and Conveying Applications

The Beckair Pneu-Power is a bladeless, motorless fan which provides either powerful vacuum or powerful flow for extracting and conveying all kinds of materials in the processing, manufacturing and bulk handling industries. Because it has no moving parts or electrical connections, it can also be used in hazardous areas.

Using a small volume of compressed air as the power source (supplied through a flexible, 10mm hose) the Pneu-Power draws large volumes of ambient air into a small chamber, amplifying the air flow up to 25 times. Completely maintenance-free, the device operates at low noise levels.

27th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Cutting New Hire Pay in Canada

(Akron/Tire Review – Nova Scotia Business Journal) New Michelin employees won’t be getting as much pay come May 1. The company told employees recently that it’s introducing a new pay rate scale, which will mean all new hires after the end of the month will make $3 less per hour. The reduction also includes flex employees, who will no longer get the regular full-time rate if they’re hired on or after that date.

By 2009, veteran workers who switch jobs on a different pay scale within the company will also feel the pay rate reduction pinch. One employee, whose name has been withheld, says many employees are “really upset” with the change. “No one’s happy about this,” said the 22-year veteran worker of the plant. “Everyone’s just stunned and flabbergasted. Not everyone’s a veteran like myself. It may not affect me, but it could if I wanted to switch jobs in the future. I’d lose $5 an hour.”

11th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Dow Chemical Joins TRIB

(Akron/Tire Review) Dow Chemical Co., which produces some synthetic rubber and chemical products used in tyremaking and the production of retread stock, has joined TRIB. To date, TRIB has more than 470 members in 46 countries, the group said.

mpany, Midland, Michigan, has joined the Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB), bringing TRIB’s membership to nearly 470 members in 46 countries.

“TRIB continues to grow as more and more companies interested in the retread and tire repair industries realize that TRIB is the only industry association in the world totally dedicated to promoting tyre retreading and tyre repairing,” said Harvey Brodsky, TRIB’s managing director.

10th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Rockwell Automation Names New Automotive and Tyres VP

Rockwell Automation has named John Genovesi vice president of its automotive, tyre and rubber industry initiative. In his new role, Genovesi will lead the company’s global sales efforts directed at helping automotive, tyre and rubber machine builders, components suppliers and end manufacturers compete on a global basis. Since joining the company in 1989, Genovesi has served in a variety of sales positions including branch manager in both Rochester and Buffalo, N. Y. Most recently, he served as the district manager in Cleveland, Ohio.

“John’s previous management positions gave him the opportunity to clearly demonstrate his superb leadership and communication skills,” said Keiran Coulton, senior vice president, Rockwell Automation. “His passionate drive for results and extensive sales experience make him uniquely qualified to lead our automotive, tyre and rubber industry initiatives, enhancing our ability to deliver high-value solutions to our global customers.“

2nd April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

India’s First BMW Plant Inaugurated

The first BMW factory constructed in India was officially inaugurated on March 29. Norbert Reithofer, BMW AG executive board chairman, was present at the Chennai facility for the occasion, and inspected a number of 3 Series saloons built at the factory since production began in February.

According to Reithofer, BMW expects to sell more than 1,000 cars in India during 2007 and has a medium term sales goal of 1,500 vehicles. In addition to the 3 Series the new factory will also produce the larger 5 Series, commencing in May. All cars rolling of the assembly line in Chennai are destined for the Indian market.

2nd April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin to Increase China Investment – Update

As previously reported, a government official in China has released information indicating Michelin intends to spend US$300 million expanding its tyre production facilities in China. The company has signed a memorandum with officials from the Liaonong (northeast China) provincial government related to new truck and passenger car tyre projects.

When the two projects are implemented, the company’s existing base in Shenyang, the capital city of Liaoning, will become the world’s largest tyre production base, producing 12 billion tyres per year.

Michelin has already invested US$150 in its Shenyang plant, and the additional $300 million will be used to fund two new projects, which will cover a floor area of 300,000 square metres.

2nd April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

New Appointment for Rockwell Automation’s Tyre Initiative

Industrial automation control and information solutions specialist Rockwell Automation has named John Genovesi vice president of its automotive, tyre and rubber industry initiative. In his new role, Genovesi will lead the company’s global sales efforts directed at helping tyremakers, as well as those in the automotive, component and rubber manufacturing industries, compete on a global basis.

Regarding his new role, Genovesi commented: “With the automotive, tyre and rubber industries facing some of the most challenging market conditions ever, partnering with a knowledgeable automation supplier has become increasingly important. With years of successful automotive, tyre and rubber industry experience, Rockwell Automation has helped many of today’s leading manufacturers optimize production processes, improve uptime and identify new opportunities for operational efficiency. I look forward to helping manufacturers grow their businesses in this evolving industry.”

30th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin to Spend US$300 million in China

Michelin is reportedly preparing to spend US$300 million expanding its tyre production facilities in China. The French tyremaker has signed agreements with officials from the Liaonong (northeast China) provincial government related to new truck and passenger car tyre projects.

When the two projects are implemented, the company’s existing base in Shenyang, the capital city of Liaoning, will become the world’s largest tyre production base.

30th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone Australia Locks Workers Out

In a continuation of the industrial action that has hampered operations at Bridgestone Australia since the start of March, on the evening of March 27 the tyremaker locked around 450 workers out of its Adelaide plant and suspended production for three days. The affected staff are mainly those working in a production or maintenance capacity at the plant.

Bridgestone claims its action was a necessary response to three weeks of union agitation, including strikes, overtime bans, and work stoppages. “This is about survival of the plant in a tough automotive manufacturing environment,” stated a Bridgestone spokeswoman.

Earlier in the day union representatives had met with plant management to discuss the dispute over pay rises, however the two parties failed to reach any agreement.

28th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors