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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Kumho Tire USA has confirmed its return as a sponsor of the home plate signage programme for the 2026 Major League Baseball season, appearing in six stadiums nationwide. This marks the brand’s second consecutive year participating in the initiative, which aims to strengthen visibility among consumers, clients and retail partners.

The selection of ballparks was based on strategic market analysis, prioritising regions with strong growth potential for brand recognition. By securing rotational digital signage directly behind home plate, the company ensures consistent exposure to both live audiences and televised broadcasts, enhancing its presence in high-impact settings.

Kumho Tire will feature its brand at the following stadiums:

• Angel's Stadium: Anaheim, Calif.
• Busch Stadium: St. Louis, Miss.
• Chase Field: Phoenix, Ariz.
• Citizens Bank Park: Philadelphia, Penn.
• Comerica Park: Detroit, Mich.
• Great American Ball Park: Cincinnati, Ohio

These locations enable deeper collaboration with local dealer networks and increase the company’s footprint in areas vital to its long-term goals. Through this targeted investment, Kumho Tire reinforces its commitment to community engagement while advancing broader objectives in key US markets.

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, “We are thrilled to continue our significant presence in America's favourite pastime, leveraging rotational stadium signage in six key markets with high growth potential. This initiative not only elevates Kumho Tire's visibility and strengthens our position as a premium brand alternative but also creates valuable opportunities for our dealer partners to capitalise on increased local recognition.”

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Hankook Tire reinforced its brand presence on the global stage as the Semifinals of TGL presented by SoFi Season 2 took place on 17 March 2026 at the SoFi Center in Florida. Serving as the inaugural Official Tyre Partner and a Founding Partner of the league, the company leveraged this platform to highlight its premium identity. By embedding advanced technological solutions within the sports entertainment sector, Hankook aligned itself with the principle of ‘Technological Innovation’ promoted by Hankook & Company Group Chairman Hyunbum Cho. This strategy effectively communicated a progressive and contemporary brand image to audiences spanning 150 countries.

The competition unfolded as a high-intensity doubleheader featuring the regular season's top four teams. In the opening matchup, the No. 2 seed, Los Angeles Golf Club, faced Atlanta Drive GC, the tournament’s 2025 champion and No. 3 seed. Although Atlanta initially held an advantage, Los Angeles secured a 6-4 victory to advance. After trailing 4-3 at the conclusion of the Triples session, Los Angeles mounted a comeback in Singles by claiming three consecutive points. A pivotal moment came when Justin Rose levelled the score on the 10th hole before taking the lead with a birdie on the fourteenth, ending Atlanta's pursuit of consecutive titles.

The second semifinal featured the regular-season leader, Boston Common Golf, against Jupiter Links GC. This contest attracted widespread attention due to the participation of golf stars Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods in a high-stakes playoff atmosphere. Jupiter Links emerged victorious with a 9-5 win after a competitive Triples session. In Singles, Max Homa secured decisive victories over McIlroy in both of their encounters, propelling his team into the Final Series for the first time.

Both winning teams are set to compete in the Finals, a best-of-three series scheduled for 23 and 24 March 2026 at the same venue. As the season approaches its conclusion, Hankook Tire continues to connect with international audiences through elite sporting events. The company sustains a diverse global sports marketing strategy, encompassing partnerships with the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Borussia Dortmund and Al Ittihad. Additionally, its role as an official partner in premier motorsport series like Formula E and the World Rally Championship underscores its commitment to demonstrating technological leadership.

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Trelleborg Tires is all set to participate in LogiMAT 2026 to demonstrate how its XP series of material handling tyres delivers quantifiable performance gains and enhanced operational efficiency. Recognising that forklift fleets face a variety of demands, the XP range is engineered to match specific intensities, load requirements and working environments. Whether for rigorous warehouse operations or specialised settings needing non-marking or electrically conductive properties, these tyres are designed to help reduce unplanned downtime, optimise energy consumption and bolster workplace safety. The company invites attendees to explore these solutions at Hall 10, Stand A21 during Europe’s premier intralogistics event, which takes place in Stuttgart from 24 to 26 March 2026.

At the summit of the product line is the XP1000, built for the most demanding, maximum-intensity applications. This tyre enhances driver comfort through reduced vibration and superior traction, which also contributes to lower fuel consumption. A standout feature is its integrated Pit Stop Line technology, a visible orange indicator that emerges when roughly 100 operating hours remain. This proactive visual cue empowers fleet managers to schedule timely replacements, thereby circumventing unexpected and costly operational interruptions. The XP1000 is also offered with ProTEX, a specialised non-marking and electrically conductive rubber formulation designed for use in sensitive or potentially explosive atmospheres.

For the rigours of high-intensity tasks common in factories and distribution centres, the XP900 tyre provides exceptional stability and precise manoeuvrability. Constructed from advanced raw materials, its durable rubber compounds are rigorously tested to extend service life while supporting more environmentally conscious operations through a contribution to lower CO₂ emissions.

Addressing the needs of medium-intensity applications, the XP800 tyre is engineered for reliable performance in both indoor and outdoor settings. Its advanced tread pattern is specifically designed to support cost management without compromising on consistency. Completing the lineup, the XP700 tyre caters to lower-intensity material handling. It matches operational requirements with sufficient load capacity and responsive steering, and like its counterparts, includes a protective rim flange to guard against wheel damage, ensuring that efficiency and performance are maintained across all levels of activity.

Anton Stoynev, Director Material Handling & Construction Central Europe, Trelleborg Tires, said, “The full Trelleborg XP range, available in our portfolio and on display at LogiMAT 2026, demonstrates how our tyres support material handling operations across all intensities and environments. With tailored tyre solutions for specific operational needs, we enable customers to reduce downtime, optimise efficiency and enhance safety. As a business tyre partner to the forklift industry, we go beyond manufacturing tyres: we combine application expertise with practical support to empower customers to achieve their operational goals reliably and effectively.”

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Dunlop Tires North America has announced its role as Official Tyre Supplier and Technical Partner for the upcoming Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, a global racing series debuting in March 2026. This championship will feature six double-header rounds held at prestigious circuits during select MotoGP weekends across North America and Europe, bringing high-performance bagger competition to an international stage.

The partnership builds upon a deep-rooted collaborative history between the two iconic brands, spanning decades of joint efforts in original equipment manufacturing, product innovation and competitive racing. Dunlop currently provides all original equipment tyres for Harley-Davidson’s touring lineup, a relationship founded on mutual trust and aligned performance objectives that bridge everyday road use with track-ready capability.

Dunlop’s involvement draws on significant experience gained from MotoAmerica's King of the Baggers series, as well as an extensive motorsports legacy encompassing road racing, flat track, motocross and supercross. For this new championship, Dunlop will engineer dedicated racing tyres tailored to the distinct challenges posed by high-performance bagger motorcycles. Comprehensive trackside technical support will accompany the tyre supply throughout the season, ensuring teams have expert assistance at every round.

Mike Buckley, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, said, “Being selected as the official tyre supplier for the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup is a tremendous honour for Dunlop. Harley-Davidson is not only an iconic motorcycle manufacturer, but a long-time collaborator. From original equipment development to championship level racing, this programme reflects more than a supply agreement. It represents a true partnership as we take on new technical challenges together at the highest level of international racing. We are proud to collaborate with Harley-Davidson as partners in this championship. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of what these motorcycles can achieve while delivering a racing product that reflects the scale, ambition and global reach of both brands.”

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