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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A significant knowledge gap exists among UK drivers regarding the performance of electric vehicles (EVs) in cold weather, according to a YouGov study commissioned by Michelin. With winter conditions setting in and EV adoption rising, the research indicates that more than half of motorists are unaware that their electric car might handle differently in the cold, and over a third confess to feeling nervous about operating one during winter.

This apprehension is compounded by a clear disparity between driver attitudes and their actual preparedness. An overwhelming majority of respondents, around 90 percent, acknowledge the importance of winter vehicle preparation, and 82 percent recognise the critical role tyres play in safety. However, behavioural data reveals a stark contrast, with only 11.7 percent currently using winter tyres. This suggests a widespread failure to translate awareness into actionable safety measures.

The core of the issue lies in a lack of specific understanding about EV dynamics. Twenty percent of those surveyed incorrectly believed electric cars are generally less safe in winter than traditional fuel vehicles. A prominent concern for 67 percent of drivers was losing control on ice or snow, highlighting the critical need for education on vehicle handling. This knowledge deficit is further evidenced by 43 percent of respondents expressing a desire for more guidance on safe EV operation.

Tyre performance is a fundamental aspect of winter safety that is often overlooked. Standard summer tyres begin to harden and lose grip at temperatures below 7°C. In contrast, winter and all-season tyres are engineered with specialised rubber and tread designs that stay flexible in the cold, providing superior traction, braking and stability on wet or icy roads. This is especially crucial for electric vehicles, which are often heavier and deliver instant torque, particularly in rear-wheel-drive models, requiring tyres designed to handle these specific characteristics to maintain stability and even protect driving range.

The survey ultimately underscores an urgent need for a concerted educational effort. Drivers are calling for car manufacturers, the government and retailers to take the lead in providing clear information to ensure safer winter driving for the growing number of electric vehicle users.

Joe Brammer, Technical Manager, Michelin UK, said, “Winter doesn’t just challenge drivers – it challenges their vehicles and tyres too. Cold weather can affect braking distances and grip for all cars, yet too many drivers still aren’t fitting tyres designed for these conditions. With more electric vehicles on the road than ever, its vital drivers understand how winter temperatures impact performance and safety as these cars can perform differently in winter compared to combustion vehicles. Choosing tyres built for cold weather or all-season use can make a real difference in maintaining control, confidence and protection on the road.

“It’s encouraging that drivers understand how important winter preparation is, but awareness needs to translate into action. Whether it’s checking tyre pressures, fitting winter-ready tyres, or booking a professional inspection, a few small steps can make winter driving safer and less stressful. It’s clear too that there is an opportunity for those selling, promoting and encouraging uptake of EVs to help equip drivers with the knowledge they need to stay safe on the roads.”

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In a strategic move to expand its French heavy-duty tyre operations, Ralson Tires Limited has announced a new alliance with the local firm Copadex. This collaboration, unveiled at the Solutrans 2025 event, aims to provide transport professionals across France with reliable, high-value products by merging Ralson’s manufacturing strength with Copadex’s extensive regional market knowledge.

The two companies share a common goal of achieving sustained growth and improving service within the transport industry. This partnership will enable Ralson to offer a comprehensive and tailored product range to meet specific local demands. By leveraging Copadex's established distribution network, Ralson anticipates a significant increase in its market penetration.

This European initiative follows Ralson’s recent foray into India’s heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) tyre market, marking a significant diversification from its established position in the bicycle tyre sector.

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China’s Prinx Chengshan celebrated the groundbreaking of its new manufacturing facility in Kedah Rubber City, Malaysia, on 18 November 2025. This event, attended by senior company executives including Group Chairman Che Hongzhi and Malaysian dignitaries, marks a critical advancement in the company's international strategy. The Malaysia Factory is conceived not as a simple expansion but as a next-generation benchmark project, integrating intelligence, sustainability and full-chain integration from the ground up.

Strategically, this facility forms a ‘twin stars’ configuration with the company's existing base in Thailand. This dual-hub model is designed to substantially increase global production capacity, enhance the resilience of the international supply chain and provide more responsive, high-quality service to customers worldwide. It represents a pivotal step for Prinx Chengshan's sustainable, high-quality growth and exemplifies a deepening of industrial cooperation under the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, positioning itself as a future model for Chinese enterprises expanding abroad.

Occupying over 102 acres, the plant's first phase will focus on an annual output of six million premium passenger vehicle tyres and 600,000 commercial vehicle tyres. Its design leverages the mature intelligent manufacturing experience from the company's operations in China and Thailand. The facility will be structured into distinct production, research and development and residential zones. A core feature is a fully automated intelligent stereoscopic warehouse that will establish an unmanned logistics link, managing everything from raw materials to finished goods. Supported by 5G digital collaboration and intelligent inspection systems, the factory aims to achieve a high-efficiency, precision-driven Industry 4.0 production environment with minimal human intervention.

The project is deeply guided by a commitment to green development, seeking harmony between manufacturing and nature throughout its entire lifecycle. Its impact is intended to extend beyond tire production by stimulating the local industrial ecosystem. Through deepened cooperation with regional rubber suppliers and equipment manufacturers, Prinx Chengshan will strengthen the area's industrial infrastructure. Furthermore, a focus on technology transfer and comprehensive skills training for the local workforce signifies a strategic evolution from mere product export to a more integrated model of technology export and ecosystem co-development.

This new facility solidifies Prinx Chengshan's ‘China + Thailand + Malaysia’ overseas production network. By harnessing Southeast Asia's geographic and industrial advantages, the company aims to bolster global supply chain robustness, meet regional demand with greater precision and enhance its international brand competitiveness.

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Ironman Tires, a brand owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company, has officially launched the All Country AT-X, a new generation tyre designed to merge the capabilities of all-terrain and all-weather designs. This strategic expansion of its All Country line is positioned to deliver year-round performance for SUVs and light trucks, whether on paved roads or off-road adventures. The AT-X is now available at retail locations, effectively replacing the previous All Country A/T and AT2 models to strengthen the brand's standing in the competitive market.

Building upon the legacy of its predecessors, which collectively sold over 700,000 units annually, the All Country AT-X incorporates advanced design and compound technologies. A significant feature is its certification with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, guaranteeing reliable traction in severe snow conditions, a first for the brand in this category. The tyre’s development focused on key improvements, including superior snow traction, enhanced durability and more responsive on-road handling, all while upholding Ironman's core values of affordability and dependability.

The product lineup is comprehensive, with 27 of its planned 40 sizes available immediately and the remaining 13 scheduled for an early 2026 release. The AT-X offers two distinct tread patterns, both meeting the stringent winter performance standards without compromising on tread life or ruggedness. Key engineering enhancements include an optimised all-terrain tread for balanced on- and off-road performance, a next-generation all-weather compound and an aggressive sidewall design that boosts puncture resistance and provides a bold visual appeal. The tyre’s profile was strategically engineered through advanced modelling to promote stability and even wear.

Backing its robust construction is a substantial 50,000-mile (approximately 80,467 km) limited treadwear warranty, alongside a 60-month workmanship warranty and road hazard protection. The All Country AT-X is offered in T, Q, R and S speed ratings in a wide range of sizes to fit 15- to 20-inch rims, making it an accessible and versatile option for a broad spectrum of drivers seeking confident, all-season capability.

Keith Calcagno, Chief Strategy Officer, Proprietary Brands, American Tire Distributors, said, “The All Country AT-X represents a major step forward for Ironman’s product lineup. By combining all-weather versatility with all-terrain durability, the AT-X provides drivers the confidence to go anywhere, in any condition, all year long.”

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