Indag Rubber Eyes Digital Expansion, R&D Investment as Raw Material Costs Squeeze Margins
- By Sharad Matade
- September 04, 2025
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.
Making a powerful debut at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Doublestar Tire captivated the global automotive industry with a display of innovative products. This premier event for customisation and accessories, which attracts top enterprises and professionals from over 130 countries, served as the ideal platform for the company to demonstrate Chinese manufacturing and technological advancement. Doublestar’s booth, emphasising high performance and green technology, became a central hub for visiting partners and industry experts.
The company’s strategy was precisely tailored to the specific demands of the American market, focusing on tyres for popular pickup trucks and SUVs used for long-distance highway travel. Key products included the Wildpuma AT10, noted for its exceptional wet grip and stable handling, and the durable, wear-resistant TBR tyre DLS918, designed for extended mileage. The vibrant on-site response saw numerous clients expressing strong collaborative interest, with Doublestar affirming its commitment to deepening its market presence in the United States.
Beyond simply meeting existing market needs, this successful appearance at SEMA proved Doublestar’s advanced capability to proactively identify and co-develop products that create new customer demand. The event ultimately served as a definitive demonstration of the brand's strength and its readiness to compete directly with leading international tire manufacturers on the global stage.
Continental Opens New Premium Tyre Dealership In Indore
- By TT News
- November 11, 2025
German tyre major Continental Tires has inaugurated a new Continental Premium Drive (CPD) dealership in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The new outlet, operated by Tyre Tune Up, strengthens Continental’s retail presence in central India.
The new CPD store, spread across 3,000 sqft, is located in Mechanic Nagar, Indore. It is designed as a one-stop destination offering Continental’s premium tyre portfolio alongside advanced services such as computerised wheel alignment, precision wheel balancing, nitrogen inflation and premium alloy wheels.
Indore was chosen for its status as a commercial and cultural hub with an expanding vehicle base, aligning with Continental’s expansion strategy. Tyre Tune Up has been a part of Indore’s automotive journey since 1956.
Samir Gupta, Managing Director, Continental Tires India, said, “With this new CPD store in Indore, we are bringing Continental’s promise of safety, innovation, and driving comfort closer to customers in Madhya Pradesh. India is a key growth market for us, and through our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we continue to expand our retail network and strengthen customer connections across the country.”
Rafique Khan, Owner of Tyre Tune Up, said, “Tyre Tune Up has been a part of Indore’s automotive journey since 1956, and our partnership with Continental allows us to deliver global standards of quality locally. This CPD outlet will not only provide premium products but also ensure a seamless service experience that our customers have come to expect over the decades.”
Continental recently announced a strategic investment of approximately INR 1 billion in India to strengthen and expand its Passenger and Light Trucks business in the country.
Steelastic Appoints Evan Soerjaatmadja As official agent In Indonesia
- By TT News
- November 11, 2025
Steelastic LLC, part of the HEICO Companies, has officially announced a new strategic partnership with PT Pelita Esa for Indonesia. In this capacity, the company has welcomed Evan Soerjaatmadja as its official agent for the region.
With over 15 years of experience in the tyre industry, Soerjaatmadja is a respected professional known for his work with PT Pelita Esa Wanua and his representation of Bartell, a member of the HEICO Group. He will now collaborate closely with Hemant Agrawal, Steelastic’s Business Development Manager, to bolster customer support and strengthen the company's market presence throughout South Asia. Steelastic anticipates that this partnership will yield substantial new opportunities for its customer base.
The company statement read: “Going forward, Soerjaatmadja will work closely with Hemant Agrawal, Steelastic’s Business Development Manager, to enhance customer support and strengthen Steelastic’s presence across South Asia. We look forward to this partnership and the new opportunities it will create for our valued customers.”
Sailun Ice Blazer Alpine 2 Earns TÜV SÜD Approval
- By TT News
- November 11, 2025
The Sailun Ice Blazer Alpine 2 tyre in size 205/55 R16 94H XL has proven itself a formidable competitor in the winter tyre market, as confirmed by rigorous independent testing from TÜV SÜD. The examination, which pitted the Sailun tyre against four rival European products across 12 different disciplines, resulted in the tyre being awarded an official seal of approval. This prestigious endorsement officially validates the tyre's strong safety characteristics on wet and dry roads, its low rolling resistance and its quiet operation, with a measured rolling noise of just 69 dB(A).
Performance in key comparative tests was particularly strong, with the Ice Blazer Alpine 2 achieving top-tier results in acceleration, braking and handling on snow, plus braking on both wet and dry roads. This makes it an excellent all-around choice for the common driver seeking a modern, high-performance winter tyre. It delivers essential safety features including reliable grip and precise control on snow and ice, alongside superb braking on wet surfaces and commendable resistance to aquaplaning. Furthermore, it maintains excellent fuel efficiency.
These capabilities are derived from its advanced technical design. An innovative tread pattern and a specialised high-silica winter compound ensure the rubber remains pliable and effective in cold temperatures. The tread features a variably angled ice-gripping pattern at its centre for superior traction on ice and snow, while numerous closely spaced grooves in the shoulder blocks interlock with snow for enhanced control on snow-covered roads. For wet conditions, a directional HydraFlow pattern efficiently channels water away from the tread, promoting strong wet grip. The overall combination of narrower grooves and robust rubber blocks also provides consistent and responsive handling in variable winter weather. Finally, the use of a durable, wear-resistant rubber compound strikes an optimal balance between extended tread life and energy efficiency.
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