Indian tyre retreader unveils automation strategy, launches new products despite 50% profit drop

Indian tyre retreading company Indag Rubber Limited is doubling down on digital transformation and research investments as it seeks to counter margin pressure from soaring raw material costs that halve annual profits.

The Delhi-based firm reported a profit after tax of INR 84.1 million for fiscal 2025, down 49.8 percent from INR 167.5 million, but outlined ambitious expansion plans centred on automation and product innovation during its annual general meeting.

“We are indeed in the era of digitalisation, automation, and AI,” Vijay Shrinivas, CEO of the company, said, announcing a complete automation of the mixing process at its Himachal Pradesh plant to eliminate human intervention and enhance consistency.

The company has invested in a state-of-the-art R&D facility established after the COVID period, which has already yielded results with the launch of Win Master, a new retreading product unveiled at Bharat Mobility in January 2025.

“This product is a direct outcome of our R&D initiatives and offers exceptional performance—delivering approximately 80 percent to 90 percent of the life of a new tyre,” the CEO said, adding its effectiveness had been demonstrated across several fleet operators.

Digital Infrastructure Overhaul

Indag has undertaken a comprehensive digital transformation over the past three years, transitioning from traditional ERP systems to SAP while implementing Salesforce.com for customer relationship management and automated compliance tools.

The company is targeting a 100 percent paperless environment at its plant level. It has partnered with e-Fleets to monitor real-time performance of approximately 6,000 tyres used by large fleet customers, generating valuable cost-per-kilometre data.

“This initiative has enabled Indag to collect valuable data on tyre performance... allowing the Company to effectively demonstrate the benefits of retreading to fleet owners and operators,” the company said.

Network Expansion Strategy

The company is aggressively expanding its retreader network across India, having connected with over 3,000 retreaders under loyalty programmes compared to its previous base. It operates 15 depots nationwide with plans to enhance reach and penetration further.

“Our company’s primary objective is to engage with these operators, educate them on cost-saving opportunities and demonstrate measurable benefits,” the CEO explained, targeting large fleet owners facing rising fuel, toll and operational costs.

Operational Excellence Drive

Beyond digitisation, Indag has improved operational efficiency by reducing its working capital cycle from 120 days to 70 days over five years, significantly better than the industry average of 100-110 days. The company achieved this through strict forecasting, improved vendor negotiations and reducing Days Sales Outstanding from 70 to 35 days.

Market Positioning

The investment strategy comes as India’s fragmented retreading industry faces consolidation pressure. About 11 million tyres are retreaded annually by over 10,000 retreaders, down from 13,000 previously, compared to the United States where just 650 retreaders process 16 million tyres.

“GST and demonetisation have really helped our industry to consolidate and formalise,” the CEO said, noting customers increasingly demand formal invoicing and standardised practices.

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Maxxis Rubber India has been presented with an Appreciation Award from the Ahmedabad Rural Police in recognition of its support during VIP movements. The accolade was conferred by Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat, acknowledged for his role in fostering community safety and collaboration through his leadership.

Guided by its core principles of respect, care and appreciation, the company emphasises its commitment to quality, service and trust alongside cooperation with authorities. Expressing gratitude to the police department for acknowledging its efforts, Maxxis stated that the honour reinforces its dedication to integrity and public safety partnerships, motivating the organisation to continue contributing with the same unwavering commitment and a focus on building stronger, more resilient communities every single day forward together.

“At Maxxis, our core values – respect, care and appreciation – drive us beyond business. Whether ensuring 100 percent quality, service, trust in our products or standing alongside authorities for public safety, we believe strong partnerships build stronger communities. We sincerely thank the Police Department-Ahmedabad Rural Police for acknowledging our ‘unwavering support’ and ‘invaluable cooperation’. This honour motivates us to continue contributing with the same commitment and integrity,” the company acknowledged in a social media post.

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The organisers of the International Rubber Conference 2026 have opened exhibitor applications for the accompanying Rubber & Elastomer Technical Exhibition, with discounted early-bird rates available until 30 April 2026.

The conference will take place from 2 to 6 November at the Aichi International Exhibition Center (Aichi Sky Expo), bringing together global scientists, engineers and industry stakeholders working across rubber and elastomer technologies.

Exhibitors submitting applications by the April deadline will benefit from reduced participation fees. The final deadline for regular applications is 15 July 2026.

Held alongside the conference from 3 to 6 November, the exhibition is expected to attract more than 4,500 visitors and is regarded as one of the leading international platforms for showcasing advances in rubber science, materials engineering and industrial applications.

IRC 2026 marks the sixth edition hosted in Japan, following previous conferences in Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, Yokohama and Kitakyushu. Under the theme “Future Rubber Technology toward Sustainability”, the event aims to address evolving industry demands, particularly as Asia accounts for a growing share of global rubber production and consumption.

Organisers said the event will provide a platform not only for established players but also for emerging engineers and researchers to engage with international experts, fostering collaboration and technological advancement across the sector.

Applications and further details are available via the official conference website.

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Tegeta Green Planet, in partnership with the Wasteless specific waste management association, hosted the Georgia Rubberized Asphalt Summit (GRAS) 2026 in Tbilisi. This international conference was designed as a platform for exchanging global knowledge on sustainable road infrastructure and rubber-modified asphalt technologies, bringing together industry leaders and international experts to examine both the challenges and opportunities within the sector. A dedicated panel discussion formed a central part of the event, fostering in-depth dialogue among participants.

Despite being widely adopted in United States, Portugal, Spain and across Europe for over six decades, rubber-modified asphalt remains unused in Georgia. This technology offers significant advantages over conventional pavement, including a service life of 8 to 10 years, superior resistance to water damage, reduced noise pollution and a substantial decrease in environmental harm caused by automotive waste. The summit’s organisers aim to address this gap by promoting responsible waste management and raising public awareness about the dangers of unprocessed refuse.

More than a forum for knowledge exchange, the summit served as a call to action, underscoring Georgia’s potential to become a regional frontrunner in sustainable infrastructure. Tegeta Green Planet, a subsidiary of Tegeta Holding established in 2022, was among the first companies in the country authorised by the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture to recycle used tyres, oils and batteries under extended producer responsibility principles. The organisation operates by collecting specified waste types, managing their transport and recycling and ultimately processing these materials in line with circular economy models, thereby supporting the nation’s shift towards innovative green initiatives.

Ekaterina Kavtaradze, CEO, Tegeta Holding, said, “For Tegeta Holding, sustainable development is one of the most important principles of our operations, which is reflected in concrete solutions. I am delighted that Georgia has had the opportunity to host such a large-scale event. GRAS 2026 demonstrates that the circular economy can become a real economic priority in Georgia as well, bringing significant benefits to the country, as waste is transformed into a resource, creating economic advantages and reducing the negative impact on the environment.”

Shalva Akhvlediani, Director, Tegeta Green Planet, said, “Georgia is at a stage where infrastructure decisions can shape the economic and environmental outcomes of the next generation. This summit provides us with a unique opportunity to learn from the world’s leading countries and implement these lessons at the local level. Overall, the circular economy is the way forward: it allows us to transform waste, such as used tyres, into a useful resource, ensuring economic stability, environmental protection and sustainable development.”

Giorgi Guliashvili, Chairman, Wasteless, “Our goal is to implement a fully circular model in Georgia – from waste collection to recycling and the effective use of recycled materials. Starting this autumn, Georgia will launch its first high-tech tyre recycling plant, which will process used tyres collected throughout the country. Using recycled rubber in asphalt is a clear answer to the question of how the resulting raw materials are utilised. As a result of the plant’s launch, we estimate that we will produce up to 12–15 thousand tonnes of rubber crumb per year, which will allow us to use this material locally to build more durable and environmentally friendly roads. This will bring significant benefits to both the environment and the economy.”

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Sailun recently welcomed trade and media representatives from across the Nordic region to the Sailun Polar Drive 2026 event, where the focus was on hands-on testing of the new Alpine Evo2, Arctic 2 and studded Ice Blazer Spike winter tyres. Held under severe winter conditions, the gathering was designed to let participants experience the full capabilities of this new range through direct driving experiences rather than passive demonstrations.

Situated in Munio, Finland, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, the location offered consistently harsh weather that served as the ultimate proving ground. Around 120 guests, including journalists, original equipment representatives and retail partners from the Baltics and Nordic countries, put the tyres to the test across a variety of challenging surfaces. From loose snow and slush to polished ice and wet pavement, the Alpine Evo2, Arctic 2 and Ice Blazer Spike each had the opportunity to showcase their specialised winter performance.

The event took advantage of temperatures fluctuating between -20 and +5 degrees Celsius, creating the mix of snow, ice and wet roads typical of Nordic winters. Testing took place on a frozen river track straddling the Finnish-Swedish border, featuring dedicated sections for handling, acceleration, braking and drifting. The remote Munio area, known for its pristine natural environment, also reflected Sailun’s commitment to sustainability, which includes reducing energy use and emissions during manufacturing and developing fuel-efficient tyres. A fleet of Audi A3, Audi A6 e-tron and Audi Q6 e-tron vehicles allowed participants to assess not only performance but also comfort, low noise and energy efficiency.

Beyond the driving sessions, the programme included an in-depth workshop covering tyre technology, the new winter product lineup and Sailun’s broader brand direction. Attendees also had ample opportunity to engage directly with members of Sailun’s management team throughout the event.

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