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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Pirelli has introduced its new SCORPION Gravity range, a mountain bike tyre lineup created for gravity riding and covering trail, enduro, freeride and downhill disciplines. The Italian manufacturer has completely redesigned the platform while introducing a new naming system intended to simplify how riders identify the best tyre configuration. Compared with the previous line, the range substantially increases the number of available combinations, as each model can be paired with different casing and compound choices.

The selection process follows three stages. Riders first choose a tread pattern, with three distinct scorpion species each representing a different terrain and riding style. They then select a casing based on the level of support and protection required. Finally, they choose a compound from Medium, Soft or Supersoft to achieve the desired balance of grip, rolling efficiency and durability.

Three tread names form the foundation of the new architecture: Black Sting, Emperor and Red Claw. Each draws inspiration from a different scorpion species, with the name reflecting the creature's characteristics and natural habitat to create a direct link with the conditions and riding style the tyre is engineered for.

Black Sting takes its name from scorpions living in deserts and arid environments. Developed for riders prioritising speed, precision and responsiveness, the fast-rolling tread combines low rolling resistance with controlled braking, suiting hardpack and firm, compact terrain where stability under high loads and at speed is critical. Emperor is the range's most versatile option, building on the previous RACE M tread but fully re-engineered. Like the scorpion it represents, it performs across mixed terrain and changing conditions, balancing traction, control and rolling efficiency. Red Claw, inspired by tropical scorpions in wet, humid environments, targets maximum traction and control. Based on the earlier RACE T design, it is optimised for loose-over-hard, dusty and off-camber terrain.

Pirelli has also evolved its four casing constructions, all now fully eMTB-ready for conventional and electric mountain bikes, including Light and Full Power models. ProWALL is the lightest with sidewall protection, weighing 700 to 900 grammes, and favours responsiveness and climbing efficiency. HardWALL, at 900 to 1,100 grammes, adds structural support and reinforcement against pinch flats. DualWALL, weighing 1,100 to 1,300 grammes, uses a dual-ply build for enduro racing, bike parks and freeride. DH+ WALL, from 1,300 to over 1,500 grammes, is the most protective option, employing tougher base fabrics and extra reinforcement for elite downhill racing.

Three compounds complete the range. Medium, marked yellow, balances grip, comfort and durability. Soft, marked red, provides intuitive handling and consistent grip in dry and wet conditions without sacrificing durability. Supersoft, marked purple, is engineered for the most demanding conditions, offering maximum grip, vibration damping and impact absorption. The range was developed by Pirelli technicians with three-time Downhill World Champion Fabien Barel and world-class athletes including Brendan Fairclough, Jack Moir, Thomas Genon, Juan Diego Salido, Fabio Wibmer and Lachlan Blair.

Fabien Barel said, “Having worked closely with Pirelli, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply their expertise runs, from Formula 1 to the Motorcycle World Championship, from motocross to high-performance cars. That same racing DNA is now driving innovation in mountain biking – across compound technology, casing construction and tread design. What’s particularly interesting is seeing how the company is bringing into cycling that wealth of cross-discipline knowledge built up over years of success at the highest levels of motorsport. What stands out most when riding these new tyres is how consistent the grip feels across the entire tread, no matter the terrain, and how stable the casing stays even when conditions get rough – it’s the kind of confidence you notice within the first few turns.”

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Tana Oy convened its annual Tana Dealer Meeting 2026 in Hämeenlinna, Finland, drawing distributors from 19 countries for three days of presentations, shared experiences and discussions. Attendees contributed perspectives and insights from markets worldwide, making the gathering a truly global exchange of knowledge and ideas.

The event took place at the historic Vanajanlinna, whose distinctive atmosphere provided an ideal setting for face-to-face meetings, idea exchange and informal interaction. Tana Oy’s 55th anniversary added a special dimension to the occasion. Under the theme ‘No time to waste – From ambition to results’, participants concentrated on sharing knowledge, converting ideas into concrete action, and advancing together.

The main meeting day featured presentations spanning Tana’s operations, with the agenda covering strategy, products, services, spare parts and market development. Beyond formal presentations, distributors contributed valuable field knowledge. Real customer cases and requests were examined collectively, with distributors sharing expertise from their respective markets and introducing fresh perspectives to the discussion.

The final day shifted focus from presentations to hands-on demonstrations. A live demo of the TANA MWB, the newest addition to the shredder family, showcased its capabilities under real operating conditions. Attendees then travelled to Toijala Works for the RD Factory Circuit, where Service and R&D teams guided dealers through stations introducing new features, options and technical developments. The sessions were led by the people who developed these solutions, giving distributors opportunities to ask questions, provide feedback and discuss matters directly with the experts.

A highlight of the meeting was the Dealer of the Year Awards, which recognise distributor achievements and dedication worldwide. Four winners were celebrated. Máquina Solo of Brazil received Dealer of the Year 2025 for opening a new landfill compactor market during a challenging economic year while achieving full participation in all 2025 tenders. Tana Italia s.r.l. earned Excellence in Marketing and Promoting Tana 2025 for consistently innovative exhibition concepts and marketing ideas. Smart Equipment B.V. received Excellence in Service for its skilled, dependable, and positive approach. Earthmoving Solution Limited was named Newcomer 2025 for remarkable landfill compactor sales growth in Bangladesh within a short period.

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Triangle Tyre has secured the EcoVadis Gold Rating once more, posting an overall score of 85 that places it within the top 5 percent of assessed companies globally. The company had initially received the Gold Rating in 2025 during its first participation in the assessment, making history as the first Chinese tyre manufacturer to attain that distinction. This repeat recognition cements Triangle Tyre’s standing as a frontrunner in sustainable development within China’s tyre sector.

The EcoVadis platform stands among the most widely acknowledged corporate sustainability assessment systems worldwide, with results frequently guiding multinational corporations in supplier selection. Its evaluations span over 180 countries and more than 150,000 companies. The methodology examines four dimensions: environmental performance, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. A gold rating signals globally leading sustainability performance among assessed firms.

Triangle Tyre’s environmental efforts centre on expanding its green manufacturing framework through its national-level green factory platform. The company has adopted low-carbon processes including intelligent vulcanisation, accelerated low rolling resistance tire development and increased use of recycled and bio-based materials to reduce lifecycle environmental impact. A digital energy management platform supports ongoing energy conservation and carbon reduction, efforts that earned recognition as an Energy Efficiency Leader in key industries from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Regarding labour and human rights, the company’s Caring for People culture protects employee rights through diversified development and care mechanisms, occupational health and safety systems and closed-loop hazard management. Comprehensive training and career pathways support employee growth, yielding consecutive Top Employer honours. On ethics, all employees receive business ethics and anti-corruption training, with ISO 37001 certification across the company and subsidiaries, a Business Conduct Supervision Committee, confidential reporting channels and regular compliance programs. Sustainable procurement involves strengthening upstream raw material management, advancing natural rubber traceability and conducting supply chain ESG assessments.

As a UN Global Compact member with two consecutive sustainability reports, the renewed Gold Rating validates Triangle Tyre’s achievements and bolsters international credibility for overseas expansion and green trade barrier navigation.

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Hankook Tire wrapped up its showing at IAA Transportation 2026, the commercial vehicle industry’s largest global expo, held in Hannover, Germany, from 15 to 20 September. The company used the event to introduce three new tyres.

The debut lineup included the Smart Control AW53 and DW53 winter tyres, plus the Smart Flex TH51 trailer tyre for regional and long-haul use. All three rely on SMARTEC, Hankook’s advanced truck and bus radial technology system, which targets safety, mileage, chip and cut resistance, retreadability and braking.

The AW53 and DW53 are built for steer and drive axles respectively, delivering grip and braking on snow and ice. Testing at Hankook’s Ivalo proving ground in Finland showed gains in snow braking, acceleration and handling over the prior generation. Hidden Groove technology sustains performance as tread wears and extends tire life by as much as 15 percent.

The TH51 pursues high mileage and low rolling resistance, with zigzag grooves and drainage channels for water evacuation. Its Hidden Groove design, made possible by 3D-printed tread moulds, preserves grip to the end of service. Hankook also displayed Smart Line, e-SMART City, the Laufenn LF95+, Alphatread and Smart Fleet while continuing its presence at European events such as the Road Transport Expo, Transport Logistic and The Tire Cologne.

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