Our company VIPO a.s, the manufacturer of automatic bead winding machines, recommends performing at least the following tasks before starting production:

# Inspection of key machine functions ( e.g. TCU, extruder with automatic head locking that ensures the achievement of a stable head pressure and fast start-up)

# Visual inspection of the line – correct guidance of the material

# Control of input materials (rubber compound, wire)

# Check for visual damage

# Check tooling and check compliance with the selected recipe

# Security control

# Check alarms

# Dry test – motion control, robot control, manual mode

After starting the machine, we recommend checking and measuring the first product, as well as a visual inspection of the entire line. A prerequisite for the correct and fast start of production is the correct termination of production, such as cleaning of tools, correct shutdown of the machine, replacement of filters, observance of preventive and possibly also predictive maintenance. It is obvious that the mistake of neglecting the recommended procedures also leads to the emergence of critical situations in terms of safety, as well as to limit the functionality of the entire equipment.

Is there a way to speed up the start of production after a shutdown and ensure that the risk of a shutdown is minimised?

There is a possibility of the usage of ’experimental’ or ‘experience’ way to do it.  The conventional methods do not bring correct result for all time.

The Smart Maintenance Module software developed by VIPO a.s. integrates all recommended procedures of the manufacturer in the form of so-called checklists in digital form, available on mobile phones, tablets, or HMI, and at the same time integrates preventive maintenance together with mechanical, electrical and other accompanying documentation in one place. This system offers proper machine start up after shutdown without any forgotten step. The data are saved in the system for future verification and analysis if necessary.

In case of deployment of Advanced Condition Monitoring, by collecting data from PLCs and additional implementation of technical diagnostics (vibration diagnostics, multicriteria diagnostics etc.),wWe can use predictive maintenance within deep neural networks within the portfolio of production equipment in the tyre industry.

To eliminate human error, VIPO a.s. developed a unique product focused on automatic mould identification and subsequent validation with a recipe. The automatic form identification is intended to avoid crashing the machine in case of tooling change. Each form segment is equipped with 2D code (QR or bar code) which is connected to the form. Tooling validation ensures correct production based on needed article. Verification is done with machine initialisation. The production is not allowed in case the recipe and mounted form does not fit together. This system ensures production of improper components and additionally protects equipment from any collision or crash.      

For the purposes of remote technical support, VIPO a.s. provides its customers with the Augmented Assistance tool, thanks to which VIPO a.s. is able to provide the customer with adequate support almost immediately using a head-mounted tablet. VIPO a.s. at the same time is a proud system integrator of TeamViewer, as well as PTC and ICONICS system integrator network. (TT)

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JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. has formally completed the merger of its subsidiary, Cavendish Industries Ltd., into its operations, a strategic move that follows Cavendish's acquisition in 2016. At that time, Cavendish was operating at only 30 percent of its manufacturing capacity for various vehicle tyres. Under JK Tyre's stewardship, the subsidiary received extensive managerial, financial and technical support, which facilitated a complete operational turnaround. Through optimised manufacturing processes, capacity utilisation dramatically increased to 95 percent. Additional expansion at the Laksar facility further bolstered its substantial contribution to the company's overall tyre production.

This consolidation is projected to generate significant value by combining operational strengths, achieving greater economies of scale, and creating a more robust and diversified product portfolio. The unified entity will also benefit from an extensive, integrated distribution network. The merger aligns with JK Tyre's enduring strategy of pursuing sustainable growth through both organic projects and strategic acquisitions. Cavendish’s successful integration represents the company’s third major operational turnaround, following previous revitalisations of Vikrant Tyres and JK Tornel Mexico, alongside the establishment of two Greenfield plants.

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Hankook Tire has further solidified its commitment to sustainable manufacturing with the recent International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS awarded to its Daejeon plant. This globally recognised certification validates the use of bio-based and recycled materials and ensures supply chain transparency, representing the company’s third such achievement following earlier certifications at its Geumsan and Hungary facilities. At the Daejeon site, the substitution of fossil-based synthetic rubber with bio-circular polymers has substantially lowered the environmental impact across the entire product lifecycle.

This milestone reinforces Hankook Tire’s comprehensive ESG strategy, which now encompasses original equipment, replacement and motorsport tyre production. A notable example is the supply of high-performance rally tyres, incorporating up to 31 percent sustainable materials, for the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship. The company’s sustainable innovation is also evident in products like the iON evo tyre for the Porsche Taycan, which uses 45 percent recycled and recyclable materials without compromising performance. Similarly, the iON GT replacement tyre for the European market integrates up to 77 percent certified materials and has earned top EU Tyre Label ratings.

Beyond product development, Hankook Tire is pioneering future mobility solutions, showcased by a concept tyre with 81 percent sustainable materials presented at IAA Mobility 2025. In electric motorsport, as the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula E, the company has earned the FIA’s highest environmental accreditation and is set to introduce the iON Race tyre containing 35 percent sustainable materials.

To accelerate these efforts, Hankook Tire is pursuing open innovation through collaborations with technology partners such as ROTOBOOST and Solvay, focusing on advanced materials like turquoise hydrogen-based carbon black and circular silica. The company is also engaged in national research consortia to validate carbon-reduction technologies and enhance the commercial readiness of sustainable alternatives, consistently aiming to merge high performance with ecological responsibility across its global operations.

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Bridgestone India has reconstructed and revitalised the government school in Kuti village, near the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Madhya Pradesh, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The project directly serves a marginalised community of tribal groups and migrant labourers from states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Previously, the school operated in a perilous and crumbling structure, lacking even basic facilities for its 175 students, despite the steadfast efforts of three teachers. The new, purpose-built campus now provides structurally safe and vibrant classrooms, dedicated child-friendly spaces and access to essential amenities.

This transformation is set to dramatically improve student enrolment and daily attendance by replacing a hazardous environment with one that is secure and conducive to learning. More than just infrastructure, the initiative instils a renewed sense of dignity and aspiration in both students and their families, who work primarily as daily-wage labourers, vegetable vendors and construction workers.

Executed in collaboration with the district administration and education department, this effort reflects Bridgestone India’s core mission of driving long-term social impact through strategic community partnerships. By focusing on critical gaps in educational infrastructure for displaced and underserved populations, the company fosters an environment where children can truly thrive and communities can build a more hopeful future.

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Marking a significant milestone, the Nokian Tyres facility in Oradea, Romania, produced its one millionth tyre of the year on 20 December 2025, thereby reaching its annual production target. This new factory, inaugurated in September 2024, began deliveries in March and is dedicated to supplying passenger car tyres for the European market.

Its inaugural year saw the production of premium models like the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 2 winter tyre, upholding the company’s 90-year legacy of safety and sustainability. The product range expanded this year with the launch of two further tyres for Europe: the Seasonproof 2 all-season and the Powerproof 2 summer tyre, with more new products planned for future manufacture at the site.

Distinguished as the world’s first full-scale zero-CO2-emissions tyre factory, the Oradea plant operates entirely without fossil fuels, employing cutting-edge production technology. Upon its anticipated completion around the end of 2027, it will become Nokian Tyres’ largest global production facility, accounting for roughly 40 percent of total capacity. It represents the company’s third major manufacturing hub alongside its existing factories in Nokia, Finland, and Dayton, US. Currently, the Romanian operation employs over 500 people, underscoring its important role in Nokian Tyres’ strategic European production network.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “I am very proud of our entire team for their hard work in reaching this milestone. It is a strong testament to our commitment to customers across Europe, enhancing our service level and delivering innovative products that ensure safety and comfort for drivers in all conditions.”

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