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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Bekaert has marked a significant sustainability milestone with the commissioning of its first solar energy project in Latin America. The installation at the Proalco Malambo facility in Barranquilla, Colombia, features 1,986 rooftop panels now generating renewable electricity on site, translating the company's sustainability strategy into concrete local action.

The Malambo plant produces a diverse range of steel wire products for agriculture, construction, upholstery, energy, utilities and general industrial applications and employs nearly 200 people. With an installed capacity of 1,291 kWp, the solar array is projected to generate roughly 1.87 gigawatt-hours of renewable electricity each year, meeting a quarter of the facility's power needs. The company estimates this will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 117 tonnes annually, supporting its broader goal of reducing its environmental footprint and advancing the low-carbon transition.

Beyond environmental gains, the project tackles practical energy concerns. The site previously relied entirely on external electricity amid rising costs and mounting grid pressure. On-site generation now enhances cost efficiency and operational resilience by limiting exposure to price volatility and potential supply interruptions. The initiative also aligns with Colombia's national sustainability objectives by promoting non-conventional renewable sources, while the use of local suppliers and contractors bolsters the regional economy and community.

The Colombian project extends Bekaert's wider track record of renewable investments, following solar deployments in Europe and Asia and ongoing expansion through on-site generation and long-term energy agreements. Expansion in the region is already planned, with a second phase envisioned at the Muña plant in Bogotá.

Fernando Montes, General Manager Proalco, said, “This project represents a major step forward in our commitment to sustainability. As the largest investment project at our site, it reflects a high level of ambition and was delivered safely over one year. It will make a meaningful difference by reducing emissions, lowering energy costs and strengthening the reliability of our operations.”

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Trelleborg Tires will present its newest agricultural tyre solutions at EIMA International 2026 in Bologna, Italy, scheduled for 10–14 November at Hall 14, Stand B2. The lineup includes the TM800 PowerFlex for mid- to high-powered tractors, the TM3000 VF 1250/50R32 for spreaders and sprayers and the TM1000 ProgressiveTraction for high-horsepower tractors. Two new tyre solutions will be unveiled at a press conference on 10 November at 5:00 p.m. at the company's stand.

The TM800 PowerFlex combines VF-PFO technology with a patented ProgressiveTraction lug design. A newly developed central rib derived from road tyre geometry supports stability, steering precision and transport comfort. Field tests recorded up to 17 percent more traction than premium competitors, a 5 percent wider footprint for reduced soil compaction, improved self-cleaning from redesigned interlug terraces, 6 percent lower rolling resistance and up to 20 percent longer tyre life.

The TM3000 VF 1250/50R32 employs VF technology to allow up to 40 percent more load at the same pressure or up to 40 percent lower pressure at the same load. Its low-compaction footprint and rounded shoulders protect soil health, while ProgressiveTraction technology delivers grip, self-cleaning and even wear. Field evaluations showed a 19 percent larger footprint than premium competitors, and optimised tread patterns support larger machines with greater comfort.

The TM1000 ProgressiveTraction pairs VF-PFO technology with ProgressiveTraction lugs for higher load capacity at lower pressures. It offers up to 10 percent more traction and up to 12 percent more hectares per hour than premium competitors, with an extended footprint protecting soil structure. Independent testing showed up to 30 percent higher durability, and selected rear tyres carry up to 5,000 hours of certified tread wear performance.

Coverage under the Premium Care programme extends to the TM1060, TM1000, TM900 and TM800 ranges, all featuring ProgressiveTraction technology. If tread depth drops below 20 percent before 5,000 hours, customers receive a credit based on unused hours towards a new tyre of the same model and size. The programme aims to lower total cost of ownership and reduce downtime in demanding conditions.

Luca Sabelli, Brand Director, Trelleborg Tires, said, “Stunning tyre innovation means turning advanced engineering into tangible benefits for agricultural professionals. Our focus is on developing high-performance tyre solutions that help farmers and contractors get the most out of their machinery, delivering superior traction, extended tyre life and unmatched productivity. At EIMA 2026, we look forward to showcasing our latest innovations and demonstrating how Trelleborg tyres are driving the future of agricultural productivity.”

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Pirelli has selected Phillip Island, host of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix and the final edition there before the event moves to Adelaide's new street circuit in 2027, to debut the F0604, a new hard-compound development rear specification for Moto2 designed to offer greater resistance to wear at the most severe circuits.

The alternative rear option will be the medium D0922, which every rider used at the 2025 event when Diogo Moreira set a new all-time lap record on it, and which also appeared at the past two German Grands Prix. Compared with the standard SC1, the D0922 has a different structure and compound, slightly softer and sitting between the soft and medium options to improve stability and performance consistency.

To help teams and riders evaluate the new F0604 specification, the rear slick allocation for the weekend will increase from 9 to 10 tyres per rider, adding one extra rear tyre. Riders will also have the standard soft SC1 and medium SC2 front options, with every rider choosing the SC1 for last year's race to excellent effect.

In Moto3, riders can choose between the standard medium SC2 and the development hard C1096, both already included in the 2025 Australian Grand Prix allocation. Almost every rider selected the rear SC2 for last year's race, usually pairing it with a medium front, and the same front specifications in different sizes will be available in the entry class.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said, “Some circuits present a tyre manufacturer with a particularly severe challenge, whether because of their layout, the asphalt or the temperatures that can arise. From this perspective, Phillip Island has been an absolute benchmark for many years: an extremely demanding circuit, capable of putting tyres to the test and driving us to keep improving the performance of our products. In a sense, it has been an adversary, one that commands respect and, precisely because of the scale of the challenge, pushes you beyond your limits. Added to all this is the unique appeal of a circuit that has retained its distinctive identity over the years. That is why we will be sorry not to race here anymore: Phillip Island is an ideal proving ground for tyre development, and its characteristics are precisely why we chose the circuit for the debut of the new F0604 rear tyre for Moto2. This solution has been developed to provide greater resistance to wear, going beyond the level already achieved by the D0922 and further broadening the range of options available to us for tackling the circuits that place the greatest demands on tyres.”

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Linglong Tire convened 120 European dealers in Milan from 10 to 13 October for its European Partner Conference, where CEO Lingkun ‘Andy’ Zhou and Vice President Yongchao ‘Aaron’ Xu outlined the company's latest developments, fiscal performance and future strategy. Zhou noted that despite a difficult and volatile market, Linglong achieved sales growth in the first half of 2026, crediting close cooperation with its European distribution partners.

Global Marketing head Kai You introduced the upcoming ‘Linglong Hub’ dealer programme, which offers quantity-based unit bonuses and tailored marketing packages such as POS materials to support in-shop sales. Andreas Krause, Head of Research and Development in Europe, presented forthcoming products from the Linglong, Crosswind and Leao brands, available from spring 2027, including the all-season Dura Master Van 4S and Leao Nova Force Van 4S for vans and campers, alongside the flagship UHP Linglong Sport Master 2.

Guests then travelled to Villongo, northeast of Milan, for the official opening of Western Europe's first Linglong Tire Center, inaugurated by Zhou together with Sebino Pneus owner Gigi Pezzotta and Fintyre Sales Director Renato Paghera. The fully branded facility is seen as a benchmark for further centres planned across Italy and Europe. The day continued at the Alfa Romeo Museum, a Stellantis brand and key original equipment customer, ending with a gala dinner featuring live Italian music.

The following day, dealers tested the Sport Master 2 at the Balocco test site near Milan, a 550-hectare facility with over 80 km of track, using various Mercedes-Benz and AMG models before a race taxi ride with a professional driver. The event closed with dinner and a dance and music show at El Porteno, setting the stage for the 2027 conference in London.

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