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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Comerio Ercole is set to make a significant impact on the global stage in 2026 with its participation in two major industry exhibitions. The company will showcase its latest advancements at both Chinaplas 2026 and Tire Technology Expo 2026, highlighting a comprehensive portfolio designed to enhance precision, productivity and sustainability in polymer processing.

At Tire Technology Expo, Comerio Ercole will present integrated systems tailored for the tyre industry, focusing on high-performance rubber calendering and digital intelligence. A flagship solution is the TRIPLE 4-roll calendering unit. Its innovative "S" configuration provides remarkable flexibility by enabling the processing of both textile and steel cord, as well as the production of rubber sheeting, all within a single line. The system’s capability for simultaneous lamination ensures high precision and product stability while minimising defects. Downtime is a critical factor in tyre production, and the patented FASTEEL system directly addresses this. By automating the steel cord change process, it dramatically reduces changeover time from hours to minutes, allowing the line to continue running during preparation and thereby maximising plant availability and operator safety. Following the calendering process, the SUPERCUT system guarantees clean, precise transversal cuts for both steel and textile-reinforced rubber, integrating guillotine and high-speed rotary blades to minimise waste and streamline downstream winding.

Simultaneously, at Chinaplas 2026, taking place in Hall 2.1 at Stand C85, the company will place a strong emphasis on its patented HYDROPLUS concept for PVC and plastic calendering. This technology suite is engineered to deliver micrometric precision and robust process stability through advanced hydraulic controls. Central to this is HYDROGAP, a system that achieves exceptional thickness uniformity with high-resolution gap positioning. Complementing this are HYDROSAFE, which ensures rapid roll separation for ultimate protection, and HYDROTHERM, a feature that intelligently compensates for thermal expansion to maintain precise gap settings during fluctuating operational temperatures.

Beyond mechanical innovation, the company is driving digital transformation with its CELEMETRY and MINERV-AI platforms. CELEMETRY focuses on sustainability by converting production data into actionable insights for environmental reporting and energy optimisation. MINERV-AI captures and standardises operational expertise through artificial intelligence, supporting more effective maintenance protocols, training procedures and overall operational consistency. Through these combined efforts at both exhibitions, Comerio Ercole is demonstrating a holistic approach to advancing the plastics, rubber and tyre industries.

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The seventh edition of Trelleborg Tires’ Tractor Driver of the Year competition took place at the Cremona Circuit in Italy on 28 February 2026, drawing 50 skilled participants from across the nation. Held at a venue renowned for its professional standards, the event has become a fixture in the agricultural calendar, offering a platform for drivers to demonstrate their expertise while experiencing advanced tyre technology in practical scenarios. After a demanding day of challenges, Francesco Coppe emerged victorious, distinguished by his exceptional precision and versatility across the various disciplines.

The competition featured a series of exercises designed to assess core abilities, including manoeuvring, loader operation, reverse driving and trailer handling, culminating in a field regularity test. Throughout these tasks, participants directly observed the benefits of Trelleborg’s ProgressiveTraction technology, which aims to boost traction, reduce soil impact and enhance overall efficiency. This year, Fendt joined as the technical partner, supplying the machinery for the event. The tractors used, such as the Fendl 300 Vario Gen5, 500 Vario Gen4 and 800 Vario Gen5 models introduced in 2025, exemplified how modern agricultural engineering supports operators in achieving high performance with comfort and ease, both on road and in the field.

Daniela Gambatesa, Marketing Manager Italy, Trelleborg Tires, said, “The ‘Tractor Driver of the Year’ once again confirms its position as a landmark event for the agricultural sector: a unique opportunity to celebrate expertise, innovation and professionalism. This 7th edition recorded a remarkable participation of tractor drivers, highlighting the growing importance of the initiative. A key highlight of the event was the new ‘5,000 Hours of Guaranteed Performance’ campaign dedicated to ProgressiveTraction® treads, originally launched in July 2025 and now featuring a customised look for Fendt tractors equipped with VarioDrive technology. This initiative allows us to prove in real working conditions the long-term durability and efficiency of our tyres, offering tangible support to agricultural professionals in their daily operations. The collaboration with Fendt as technical partner further reinforces our shared commitment to excellence, combining advanced technology with high-performing solutions for the industry.”

Silvia Uderzo, Advertising & Sales Promotion Specialist, Fendt Italia, said, “Fendt has believed in the ‘Tractor Driver of the Year’ project since its early editions, reflecting the trust and importance we attribute to this initiative. Taking part again this year represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the skills of tractor drivers and to demonstrate how the technology, performance and comfort of our machines play a decisive role in improving operational efficiency. The partnership with Trelleborg Tires confirms our shared commitment to delivering increasingly high-performing and sustainable solutions to agricultural professionals, combining innovation with close attention to their real operational needs.”

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Pirelli is all set for the Australian Grand Prix, where a new era of Formula 1 begins with more uncertainties than any season opener in recent history. The 2026 cars, fundamentally redesigned in both power unit and aerodynamics, have completed nine days of pre-season testing across Barcelona and Sakhir, but Albert Park will offer the first genuine opportunity to assess their true potential. For the Italian manufacturer, this weekend represents far more than routine tyre supply; it is about observing how an entirely new generation of machinery interacts with its products on a familiar yet demanding street circuit.

The tyres brought to Melbourne reflect the sport's broader evolution, featuring a reduced contact patch and smaller overall diameter while retaining the 18-inch rim architecture. The full range spans five slick compounds, from C1 to C5, alongside Intermediate and Full Wet options. For Albert Park, Pirelli has selected the three softest compounds, C3, C4 and C5, continuing a strategy employed over the previous two seasons. The 5.278-kilometre layout, winding around a lake, combines fast straights with low and medium speed corners that do not place extreme thermal demands on the rubber. Degradation here typically results from mechanical wear rather than heat buildup, largely due to the smooth asphalt surface comprising public roads. Last season, minor graining appeared on dry days but remained at very low levels.

Friday practice will offer the first indications of how teams approach unlocking their cars' potential. Pirelli anticipates close observation of how squads balance performance simulations with longer runs, particularly regarding thermal management across both axles. The significant energy delivered by new power units to the rear axle creates an asymmetry requiring careful correction, especially in qualifying. Teams are expected to experiment with tyre blanket temperatures and preparation lap strategies to achieve optimal operating windows.

Predicting race strategies involves multiple variables unique to this opening round. Individual car loads will determine whether the softest compound can feature meaningfully in race stints on a circuit considered relatively low in severity. Overtaking presents another consideration, as Albert Park remains challenging for passing despite recent modifications. The introduction of Overtake mode could prove significant here, potentially reshaping tactical approaches.

Weather adds further complexity, with the race falling in early autumn, one week earlier than last year, bringing potential temperature swings and rainfall. Intermittent showers dramatically influenced the 2025 race, won on Intermediate tyres, and similar conditions remain possible.

Melbourne celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Australian Grand Prix this year, marking its 29th occasion as host since replacing Adelaide in 1996. Michael Schumacher holds the record with four victories, followed by Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel with three each, while 21 other drivers have won here, including reigning champion Lando Norris. McLaren leads constructors with 12 wins, one ahead of Ferrari.

This season also launches a collaboration between Pirelli Design and renowned designer Denis Dekovic, creating 15 special-edition podium caps for selected grands prix. Each cap draws inspiration from host country traditions through dedicated colours and materials. The collection begins in Australia, where podium finishers will wear caps inspired by the southern hemisphere sky and the stars of the Australian flag, available on the Pirelli e-commerce platform.

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Italian bicycle tyre manufacturer Vittoria has expanded its premium road tyre lineup with the introduction of the Corsa PRO Speed in a new 700x30c (30-622) format. This latest addition directly responds to requests from WorldTour professional teams and reflects the shifting priorities in contemporary high-performance road cycling, where riders continuously seek marginal gains in speed, aerodynamics, comfort and overall efficiency.

The new 30 mm model joins the established Corsa PRO family, Vittoria’s flagship range defined by its supple 320 TPI cotton casing. Within this series, each variant serves a specific racing purpose: the Corsa PRO Speed is engineered for outright velocity, the standard Corsa PRO offers versatility for general racing and the Corsa Control is built for challenging conditions. The new 30 mm iteration of the Speed model aims to bridge the gap between aerodynamics and ride quality.

Building on technology introduced with the 2025 Corsa Wide Rim series – a 29 mm tyre co-developed with Team Visma | Lease a Bike to minimise micro-turbulence on wider rims – this new 30 mm tyre is designed to deliver tangible benefits in grip and comfort without sacrificing speed. The increased air volume and larger contact patch provide superior traction, particularly in wet conditions, while also absorbing road vibration for a smoother ride. This setup aligns perfectly with modern road bike frames, which now commonly accommodate wider tyres.

The Corsa PRO Speed 30 mm is positioned as a pure performance tool for elite competition. It is intended for fast, smooth asphalt in events like time trials, triathlons and high-speed road races. By offering this size, Vittoria aims to enhance the racing experience for both professionals and serious amateurs, further cementing its reputation as a leader in road tyre innovation.

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