The praised solution has been in use at Eurl Saterex-Iris in Algeria since autumn 2019. Eurl Saterex-Iris is the third biggest tyre manufacturing plant in Africa, serving both local and export markets. The modern plant was mainly designed and constructed by Black Donuts Engineering and its international partner network. Black Donuts is also responsible for production management, which applies the core principles of Lean Management and focuses on reducing the interim stocks to the bare minimum according to the pull method. To enhance this, the company developed an RFID-based electronic eKanban solution together with Toptunniste.

“The eKanban project started from a need to improve production management. The first acute challenge we met was the lack of adequate and accurate information on the overall production status,” Solution Manager Aki Nurminen recalls.

Originally, there were nine Kanban boards located all over the two-floor factory. One had to check each board manually, so it took time and effort to capture a complete view of the production status.

Another deficit concerned the insufficient information provided on manufacturing schedules. The old Kanban boards did not give enough information on when certain materials were supposed to be in production.

The returned cards included no accurate time markings, so it was hard to stay updated, notice stock alerts and to respond on time.

Real-time production status

New technology was needed to solve the problem. It became clear that initiating remote monitoring would require electronic boards instead of the traditional ones. Black Donuts contacted another Finnish technology company, Toptunniste, to present the idea and search for a way to actualise it. The solution was simple: adding RFID features to an existing Kanban board would upgrade it to a more accurate, more informative, and easy-to-use eKanban board. Next, the old cards were replaced by RFID tagged cards, readable through RFID technology.

Now, all nine eKanban boards are online in Saterex’s internal data system and easily monitored from any computer. Consequently, an up-to-date overall view of the entire production is now always at hand.

The eKanban solution enables better and real-time tracking of overall production status and enhances the supervision of production processes.

It adds the time markings automatically to each card on return, keeps account, and establishes automatic triggers to replenish stock when predefined minimums are reached for each inventory item.

The system also calculates and presents the estimated time left before reaching the pre-defined minimum of each item in the downstream processes. This is the lens that helps us prioritize and schedule the production runs.

Optimised processes

The new eKanban boards were taken into use at Saterex tyre plant in fall 2019. For the users operating in the production lines, the new solution has not brought any changes in their daily routines, but the Kanban boards are used the same way as before. For the supervisors and factory management, the new system enables a remote and real-time view of the production status through a web interface.

The new solution helps in prioritizing the tasks and shortens the reaction time to different problems arising in production. eKanban is also a great planning tool, as it gives us a complete process overview, Aki explains.

The eKanban system gets all the production information it needs straight from the company’s MES, where the daily consumption levels of each process, as well as the minimum and maximum storage levels, are defined. Separate eKanban views, visualizing the interim storage levels, can be reviewed through MES which enables effective inventory management.

The eKanban solution is designed for tracking the production, not to automatically assign anything. It is always the team, the people, who make the decisions based on the information they receive. However, the solution helps to improve tracking and optimizing operations, Aki says.

Advanced work management

Moreover, the eKanban solution enhances work management.

Compared to manual Kanban systems, eKanban gives additional information on storage unit rotations, events and even stock rotation history. It is valuable information for both follow-ups and for managing transportation activities and best working methods. Earlier, the material transportation could idle, and the return of cards to the Kanban boards be irregular, which caused various scheduling challenges, stockouts and unexpected changes in demand.

It was nearly impossible to find the root cause for problems and consequently improve it. Thanks to the digitised solution, we can now track every event, which supports work development and feedback giving.

While the manual Kanban boards already gave a good boost for companies in optimizing production, the new eKanban solution brings monitoring, tracking and optimizing to a remarkably higher level.

eKanban is an excellent example of how we can improve proven old methods during digital transformation.

eKanban was designed to add a remarkable value to the supply chain support operations. This was accomplished by optimizing cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and the movement of materials. Currently, Aki’s team is already developing the next generation eKanban solution, one without any physical cards or printed labels and boards. This will serve the needs of the highest automation solutions, which require visual identification instead of manual labelling or printed cards.

The operators do not even need to touch the storage units anymore, but the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) completes the visual identification. Electronic Shelf Label is automatically updated during the manufacturing processes and events referring to RFID identifications and data communication. This way, the labels are never missing, old or wrong, and they are readable in all occasions and all the time, Aki explains.

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ZC Rubber recently orchestrated a unique brand activation at Emirates Stadium, hosting its Partner Match Day: Emirates Stadium Experience on 24 May. The gathering occurred shortly after Arsenal’s coronation as 2025/26 Premier League champions, amplifying the electric atmosphere for attending partners, industry media and Arsenal collaborators.

Instead of a passive viewing experience, guests from the ZC Rubber family – including WESTLAKE, GOODRIDE and TIANLI – along with representatives from Stapletons Tyre Service, International Tyres, City 1st Tyres and ADR UK Tyremart, stepped onto the pitch for a competitive 90-minute tournament. Following two mini leagues and a climactic final showdown, City 1st Tyres secured the champion’s trophy before enjoying post-match hospitality inside the stadium.

As the Official Global Tyre Partner of Arsenal FC, ZC Rubber designed the event to deepen ties within its international partner network. The day demonstrated a clear strategy of merging sport with relationship-building, creating memorable connections for global audiences.

Andrew Reitzner, UK National Manager, ZC Rubber, said, “Partner Match Day was a fantastic opportunity to bring some of our partners and media friends together in a truly unique environment. Playing at Emirates Stadium is something many football fans dream of, and it was great to share that experience with the people who continue to support and grow with ZC Rubber. For us, that is what this event is about – teamwork, shared experience and the spirit of partnership behind ZC Rubber’s brands.”

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Giti Tire has strengthened its response to electric mobility by securing original equipment deals with major automakers while overhauling product design for the unique strains of battery-powered cars. Engineers have focused on solving challenges such as increased curb weight, immediate power delivery and the need for exceptionally quiet cabins, which set EVs apart from traditional vehicles.

Several leading brands, including Volkswagen, BYD and BMW, now fit Giti rubber on next-generation models across European and Asian markets. The technical focus has centred on lowering rolling resistance, controlling tread wear and managing acoustics, all of which are critical for factory-approved EV tyres. A case in point is the GitiControl P10, chosen for the BYD Sealion 7, iCar 03 and Deepal S07. By reworking the tread pattern and compound, the P10 manages higher loads and torque while preserving range, grip and durability while reducing interior noise.

Meanwhile, the GitiSynergy family has proven itself through the H2 variant on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in Europe, including during a Guinness World Record attempt that tested long-distance reliability. The upgraded H2+ version further refines energy efficiency and ride comfort to meet BMW’s standards for consistency and low noise. On the performance front, the GitiSport S2+ earned an ‘Exemplary’ rating from Auto Bild in its 2026 Summer Tyre Test, ranking near the top for braking, handling and grip under high torque and heavy vehicle loads.

Together, the P10, H2+ and S2+ cover touring, daily driving and high-performance EV segments. Through ongoing collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and continuous engineering advances, Giti Tire is building a reputation as a dependable supplier for the electric mobility era.

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Bridgestone Americas has unveiled the new UltraWeather all-weather grand touring tyre aimed at drivers needing consistent grip on sedans, crossovers, SUVs and light trucks. The product replaces the outgoing WeatherPeak model and carries the three-peak mountain snowflake designation, confirming its ability to handle severe winter conditions. Through the application of ENLITEN technology, the tyre promises longer wear, lower fuel consumption due to reduced rolling resistance and dependable performance across every season.

Engineered for modern driving demands, the UltraWeather shows superior wet braking in internal evaluations, stopping four feet shorter than its predecessor and reducing hydroplaning risk via specialised grooves and shoulder slots. On snow, the tyre demonstrates a 14 percent shorter stopping distance compared to the Goodyear WeatherReady 2 while also outperforming both the Pirelli WeatherActive and the prior Bridgestone WeatherPeak by 10 percent. A proprietary PeakLife polymer and closed centre rib slots support the rubber’s longevity, backed by a 60,000-mile (approximately 96,560 km) limited warranty.

Additional ENLITEN benefits include noise-reducing structural design, rolling resistance improvements for better fuel economy and the use of renewable soybean oil in manufacturing. The tread pattern is precision-tuned to limit vibrations and road noise, contributing to a quieter, more comfortable ride for daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike.

The UltraWeather is available in the market from 1 June 2026, initially in select sizes before expanding to a total of 61 options for 16- to 22-inch rims. Popular vehicle fitments include the Honda Civic, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Taos.

Dale Harrigle, Chief Engineer, Consumer Replacement Tire Development, Bridgestone Americas, said, “Our all-new UltraWeather grand touring tyre helps give drivers a new level of confidence, regardless of the day’s forecast. By integrating our ENLITEN technology, we’ve developed a tyre that delivers a remarkable balance of year-round reliable performance and sustainability elements, surpassing its predecessor.”

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Birla Carbon has announced a series of organisational changes aimed at aligning with market trends, enhancing customer value and strengthening execution. The company is restructuring into three business units covering Asia, Americas and EMEA, and Specialty Materials.

Amit Kumar has been named President for the Asia rubber business, while John Davidson assumes the role of President for the Americas and EMEA rubber segment. Shashank Awasthi becomes President of Specialty Materials, overseeing global operations including speciality carbon blacks and Nanocyl for non-rubber markets. Zachary Combs takes on the role of Head of Global Technology, focusing on process and product development.

In parallel, Birla Carbon will continue evaluating its asset base in response to shifting demand, leveraging major expansions in Asia amid weaker demand in the Americas and Europe.

John Loudermilk, President & Chief Executive Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “The rapid pace of change today requires a nimble organisation, empowered to make quick decisions and act. These changes will enable Birla Carbon to further strengthen partnerships, drive innovation and create value for our customers.”

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