What kind of products does Uzer Makina offer to global tyre industry?

Uzer Makina has been serving top tyre makers all around the world with its tyre curing presses and molds since 1978. Our press product category consists of mechanical and hydraulic presses for all kinds of tyres; while mold category includes tread segments, sidewall plates, container mechanisms, AG molds and bladder molds.

Tell us about the evolution of the company as a global leader

The company was founded by Selahattin Uzuner and his nephew Bahattin Ertuğ. At first, the company was working for petrochemical industry in Turkey and later on started to make mold maintenance activities for various tyre companies in Kocaeli. First mold was manufactured 1984. Nearly 10 years later, Uzer Makina started to manufacture tyre curing presses again for plants in İzmit. In 2000, the plant was moved to Kartepe, Kocaeli, where it  is currently located. In 2004, first hydraulic tyre curing press is manufactured and in 2007 Uzer Makina designed, manufactured and internationally patented its popular product Floating Column Hydraulic Press. Until late 2000s, the company mostly served domestic market. After 2010, we started to supply a good amount of its products abroad as well. With an aggressive growth strategy, Uzer Makina invested in buildings, brand-new equipment, human resources and expanded production in last five years to become a global player in tyre curing equipment market. We now serve top tyre makers and their plants in more than 40 countries.

What is the latest step in your expansion process?

After doubling capacity in 2018 by separating press and mold factory, Uzer Makina has completed another expansion by June 2020. This new facility is entirely dedicated for pre-production activities, including storing steel raw materials, cutting, bending, construction, welding, sandblasting and heat treatment serving both for tyre curing press and mold categories which used to be a part of press manufacturing facility before. Uzer Makina also moved its HQ office from mold factory to press factory.

Investment decision was made at the end of 2019 by the top management before Covid-19 pandemic with the goal of decreasing the costs by decreasing the amount of manufacturing activities which are outsourced. Following this decision, Uzer Makina has acquired 9500 m² land just next to existing press manufacturing facility and finished 6500 m² building in less than 7 months.

Uzer Makina also has added brand-new pre-production equipment like heat treatment furnace, sandblasting machine and bending machine. With these new machinery investment, Uzer Makina is planning to decrease the cost per product and production time while increasing the total quality of the processes by taking these operations in house rather than outsourcing them.

This expansion enables Uzer Makina to better use the existing press manufacturing facility. Since pre-production occupied a good amount of space before leaving the building, remaining place is now used for press manufacturing and assembly. Therefore, Uzer Makina is able to manufacture more presses at the same time compared to previous set-up. Uzer Makina has also made machinery investments for existing press area as well including automated spray-painting booth for painting press bodies/parts and vertical turning machine with 3 meters turning diameter which would mainly be used for parts of bigger (over 85”) mechanical presses.            

What are the features of the new SUV & TBR Floating Column Hydraulic Press?

A new era for SUV & TBR tyre curing has begun as Uzer Makina announced the development of SUV & TBR version of its most popular and internationally patented Floating Column Type Hydraulic Press in the last Tyre Technology Expo. Uzer Makina dispatched the first 65” Floating Column Hydraulic Type Curing Press at the end of 2020. This new version outweighs the existing solution Frame Type which used to be the industry standard almost in every aspect. It offers a simpler design, the construction weights much less, has fewer components, maintenance requirements are lower and finally the energy requirement is lesser compared to Frame Type. Besides, most importantly, pricewise there is no significant difference between these two types.

On the other hand, tyre manufacturers will be able to benefit all the advantages of the internationally patented Floating Column Technology for curing of larger tyres. Floating Column Technology provides fully automatic mold height adjustment and therefore eliminates the need for conventional mold height adjustment systems. The technology features two squeezing cylinders under the columns on both sides of each cavity. The piston rods of these cylinders are directly connected to the columns. Besides applying squeezing force, these cylinders also change the position of the locking point, which is located on the columns for adjustment of mold height. Therefore, the press does not need multiple locking points and can work perfectly well with just one. Columns rise at the end of each cycle and release the locking plates from grooves, meaning the locking mechanism can work without jamming.

In addition to these, Uzer Makina is able to construct this new size Floating Column Type Hydraulic Press as V-Shape as well in order to save space. The V-Shape design enables tyre manufacturers to use the curing press area at least 12% more efficiently, in other words, tyre producers would be able to place 112 curing presses in an area that was previously large enough for 100 machines. This concept was developed by Uzer Makina engineers in response to the recent market demand for upgrading existing machines in tyre production plants.

On the other hand, Uzer Makina have been recently putting so much effort to increase energy efficiency on the presses and therefore help tyre manufacturers to comply with the latest European regulations. With this object in mind, Uzer Makina has developed “Energy Saver Steam Hoses” as a subsidiary product that would work both with Uzer Makina presses and others. With these hoses, one can save up to 5% energy per press which is equal huge amount of energy considering the fact that tyre curing is the most energy consumer process of tyre production. These hoses also prevent curing area from overheating. In case there is an effort to cool down the area, there is no need for it or at least it requires much less effort to keep the curing area at normal temperature.

Uzer Makina is not solely a tyre curing press and mold producer – the company also strives to improve the efficiency of the entire curing process. Uzer Makina places great emphasis on digitization and designs its presses to be fully compatible with Industry 4.0 requirements such as EMS, AGV, SCADA, MES and ERP systems. In addition, the company conducts its own research and also works with leading industry companies to offer solutions such as mold pre-heating presses, mold changing pickup cranes and RFID mold management systems – to help tyre manufacturers achieve the most efficient curing processes.

How did the company take on the pandemic?

Even though pandemic conditions were very challenging for tyre industry especially in terms of demand last year, 2021 is very promising also for Uzer Makina. There are many reasons for this: firstly, because of US tariffs against Asian tyre makers, Turkey & Eastern Europe has become a very attractive country for capacity increase for tyre production. Almost all tyre makers in Turkey runs at full capacity and some of them already is expanding. Secondly, there has been a global change in transportation as many people now prefers to move more individually than ever, this probably will eventually affect the number of tyres produced globally. Uzer Makina started to feel this rebound in the demand as many existing customers has decided to restart their previously on hold orders and requesting inquiries for new equipment, and it is also a known fact that quite a few tyre makers are making new greenfield & expansion projects. As Uzer Makina continues to improve its reputation in the market year by year, this rebound will have much more positive effect on the company.

In the pandemic period, like all other companies, Uzer Makina also had to transform the way to operate business into more digital. Now in Uzer Makina, all internal meetings are video meetings. Since travelling abroad is still an issue, nearly all the meetings with customers and suppliers are done via video calls too. Uzer Makina enriched the content of the installation and commissioning materials and provided remote support in order to help the customers which cannot accept people to their plants because of travelling bans. (TT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Italian bicycle tyre manufacturer Vittoria has solidified its prominent status in mountain biking by securing a role as an Official Partner of Val di Sole Bikeland for the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. The prestigious five-day competition is being held from 26 to 30 August 2026 at the Daolasa Arena in Commezzadura, a venue renowned as one of the sport’s most iconic global destinations.

The world championships will feature a comprehensive programme of elite racing, with world titles and the coveted rainbow jerseys on the line across multiple disciplines. Events will include Cross-country Olympic, Cross-country Short Track, the Team Relay, Downhill and E-MTB Cross-country, drawing the planet’s top riders to the Trentino valley for a week of high-stakes competition.

Beyond its partnership with the event, Vittoria’s deep-rooted commitment to the sport is evidenced by its long-term support of prominent national cycling federations. The brand currently backs the Italian Cycling Federation, USA Cycling, the Royal Dutch Cycling Union and the Japan Professional Cyclist Association, underlining its dedication to fostering mountain biking at the elite level. With these four national bodies and a roster of world-class athletes relying on its products, Vittoria is poised to be a central figure throughout the championships.

At the venue, Vittoria will operate a dedicated exhibition space in the heart of the action, offering athletes, media, industry insiders and fans a chance to explore its latest technological innovations and view the equipment used by top competitors. This presence reflects Vittoria’s enduring history in international racing and its ongoing investment in developing high-performance tyres and accessories for cyclists of all levels, from professional racers to dedicated amateurs across every cycling discipline.

Stijn Vriends, Chairman & CEO, Vittoria, said, "Being part of the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships while also supporting some of the world's leading national cycling federations is a tremendous source of pride for us. Val di Sole is one of the true landmarks of international mountain biking and the perfect stage to celebrate our passion for this sport together with athletes, partners and fans from around the world."

Fabio Sacco, General Manager of Apt Val di Sole and Grandi Eventi Val di Sole, said, “The presence of an international brand such as Vittoria alongside the World Championships represents an important recognition for Val di Sole and for the work we have been carrying out for many years to promote and develop mountain biking. Collaborating with leading companies in the industry that share our vision and passion for this sport further strengthens the value of an event that will put Val di Sole and Trentino in the global spotlight. We are proud to welcome Vittoria to Daolasa di Commezzadura and to offer athletes, teams and fans an unforgettable experience in a region where mountain biking has become a fundamental part of its identity.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

DUNLOP (company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries) has formalised a collaborative research initiative in Bangkok, Thailand, under the Hevea Research Platform in Partnership. Signed on 7 August 2026, the joint agreement brings together the Rubber Authority of Thailand, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development and two Thai academic institutions, Khon Kaen University and Kasetsart University.

The project will examine the impact of reduced-frequency latex collection, known as low-frequency tapping systems, on the material properties and internal structural integrity of natural rubber. The research will also evaluate practical obstacles farmers encounter when transitioning to these methods, alongside enabling factors for broader uptake. The goal is to accelerate the company's commitment to sustainable raw material sourcing.

Southeast Asian rubber producers face volatile prices, climatic shifts and a critical deficit of plantation labour. Thailand, in particular, suffers from an acute shortage of skilled tappers, forcing smallholders to rely on an ageing workforce and migrant labourers. The low-frequency approach directly addresses this constraint by reducing collection frequency, offering a potential solution to a regional challenge.

Prior investigations have shown that tapping every three days, combined with a plant growth regulator, can maintain productivity and quality comparable to the conventional two-day interval. However, extended cycles of 4, 6 or 10 days remain poorly understood regarding rubber characteristics. Socioeconomic ramifications, including cost structures and physical workload, also require deeper exploration.

This project will systematically assess technical outcomes of various tapping frequencies and human dimensions of their implementation. Insights will support Sumitomo Rubber Industries' broader strategy, which pursues productivity gains through tissue culture technology for seedlings and improvements in processing facility conditions, ensuring a resilient and responsible supply chain.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Radar Tires introduced its newest all-terrain offerings, the Renegade A/T and Renegade A/T Trail, during an exclusive gathering held from 24th to 27th June 2026 in northern Portugal’s Gerês region, near Peneda-Gerês National Park. The event united distributors from North and South America for an immersive introduction to the flagship products against a landscape blending performance driving with scenic exploration.

Across four days, participants navigated mountain roads, rocky sections, gravel paths and shifting terrain, evaluating on-road composure and off-road resilience. The location carries deep motorsport significance, hosting historic Rally de Portugal stages like Vieira do Minho and Fafe, providing a fitting atmosphere for an event centred on capability and partnership.

Technical seminars led by R&D head Olli Seppälä offered distributors insight into the engineering behind the new models. President and CEO G S Sareen outlined the company’s strategic vision, while recreational activities reinforced the organisation’s commitment to strong relationships alongside product excellence.

The Radar Renegade A/T is a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified tyre for SUVs and light trucks, combining aggressive traction with stable road manners. Dense siping, stone ejectors, side lugs and a fortified sidewall deliver wet grip and resistance to cuts and chips while minimising puncture risks. It will be offered in 89 sizes from 15- to 24-inch rims, with 44 currently available and 45 more in Q3 2026.

The Renegade A/T Trail is engineered for crossovers and SUVs, blending off-road capability with everyday comfort. It features a Trail King tread, temperature-adaptive compound, and Tri-Armor System with stone ejectors and tie bars. It comes in 42 sizes from 15 to 22 inches, with 19 ready now and 23 debuting in Q3 2026.

Both ranges include a Road Hazard Warranty and 30-Day Guarantee. P-metric sizes carry a 55,000-mile treadwear warranty, while LT sizes have 50,000 miles. Shared technologies like the Circle of Tread Life indicator and reinforced sidewalls enhance durability and personalisation, underscoring Radar Tires’ commitment to innovation and partnership.

G S Sareen, President and CEO, Radar Tires, said, "We are very confident in our new flagship range of products. We've tested them rigorously against leading premium brands, and the results speak for themselves. The Renegade A/T and A/T Trail deliver top-tier performance and durability but come without the hefty price tag, reinforcing our mission of providing premium accessibility to drivers the world over."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Michelin has introduced the new MICHELIN XHA3 tyre, a next-generation product engineered to meet the escalating productivity demands of modern construction equipment. Building on the established legacy of the MICHELIN XHA2, this latest release is designed to support faster operational cycles and the increased capabilities of contemporary machinery, all while prioritising uptime and efficiency through a combination of versatility and innovation.

Developed for a broad spectrum of heavy machinery, the MICHELIN XHA3 is suitable for loaders, articulated dump trucks and graders, covering E3, L3 and G3 applications. Its multi-machine design allows it to perform effectively across diverse terrains, ranging from mud and asphalt to more aggressive environments. This adaptability not only simplifies fleet management but also reduces inventory complexity by minimising the number of tyre references needed on site.

The tyre’s advanced structure and new tread design, which incorporates increased rubber volume, deliver up to 20 percent greater wear life compared to the previous generation. Enhancements such as a reinforced bead area provide up to 20 percent additional load capacity depending on the size, accommodating high-torque machinery. Furthermore, the new four-block tread pattern and optimised shoulder radius improve traction and stability, contributing to reduced vibration and enhanced operator comfort.

A standout feature of the MICHELIN XHA3 is the patent-pending Michelin Visual Pressure Control, an integrated sidewall indicator that allows for immediate visual inspection of tyre inflation without the need for sensors or electronic devices. This system facilitates routine safety checks and streamlines workflows, contributing to lower maintenance costs and reduced unplanned downtime. With a high retreadability rate and an estimated 16 percent reduction in Total Cost of Ownership, the tyre is positioned as a durable, reliable solution that will be progressively rolled out worldwide in multiple dimensions.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!