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!

MESNAC Union Technology (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China’s MESNAC Co., Ltd., has broken ground on a new manufacturing facility in the Qilu (Cambodia) Special Economic Zone in Svay Rieng Province, marking the company’s second major investment in Southeast Asia.

Executives from the Qilu Special Economic Zone, MESNAC Chairman and President Guan Bingzheng, and representatives from the tyre sector attended the 30 October ceremony.

Zhou Chuanhai, General Manager of MESNAC Union Technology, said the ceremony underscored the company’s growing international ambitions. “The opening of the MESNAC Vietnam factory and the groundbreaking of the Cambodia factory jointly demonstrated the bold and hardworking spirit, and pragmatic executive force of the MESNAC Union Technology team,” he said. The two projects, he added, “further confirmed the company’s firm determination to expand overseas and serve global tyre enterprises.”

Zhou said Cambodia’s location at the heart of Southeast Asia offered “unique geographical advantages and vast market potential”. He added that the company would continue to uphold its mission “To advance rubber industry to a higher level,” while strengthening its global production and service network to offer more efficient integrated solutions for tyre manufacturers.

The ceremony concluded with guests witnessing the official launch of the project.

The new Cambodia plant follows the commissioning of the firm’s Vietnam facility and forms part of MESNAC’s push to scale up its presence in the region. The company said the investment will expand manufacturing capacity, improve service capability in Southeast Asia and support a more comprehensive product offering for global tyre clients.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone has introduced the Potenza Sport EVO, an ultra-high-performance tyre that represents a significant evolution of its acclaimed Potenza Sport line. This next-generation tyre is engineered to deliver superior sports performance, enhanced safety in wet conditions, increased longevity and greater energy efficiency. A key feature is its expanded size range, ensuring compatibility with a broader spectrum of high-performance vehicles.

Central to the tyre's advancement is the incorporation of Bridgestone's ENLITEN Technology, a forward-thinking engineering approach designed to provide uncompromised performance while supporting sustainability. This technology ensures the Potenza Sport EVO is fully prepared to meet the unique demands of both electric vehicles and traditional internal combustion engines.

The performance gains are substantial. The tyre provides exceptional control and stability during high-speed driving, whether on straightaways or through corners. Its wet grip is best-in-class, achieving a top EU label A-grade and enabling a five percent shorter wet braking distance compared to its predecessor. This is complemented by a two percent improvement in dry braking. These handling and safety benefits are the result of specific innovations, including a high-stiffness compound for stability, a dedicated construction with a stiff carcass and a sporty, asymmetric profile shape. For wet grip, a bespoke compound with optimised fillers works in synergy with a precisely engineered tread pattern.

Beyond performance, the Potenza Sport EVO offers notable practical advantages. It provides a fifteen percent increase in mileage, translating to thousands of additional kilometres of use. Furthermore, its rolling resistance is reduced by up to six percent, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency for conventional cars and extends the driving range of electric vehicles.

Developed in Europe, the Potenza Sport EVO will be available in 139 sizes across a 17- to 23-inch spectrum, a considerable expansion that fulfils 92 percent of the sport market's coverage needs. The launch will occur in two phases, beginning with 92 sizes in January 2026 and the remainder following in 2027, making the tyre available across numerous global markets.

Stefano Sanchini, Vice President Consumer Replacement at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “The new Bridgestone Potenza Sport EVO with ENLITEN Technology is built for high-performance vehicles and drivers, whatever the powertrain. Building on the success of the remarkable Potenza Sport – a tyre chosen as original equipment by many of the world’s most prestigious car brands, like Lamborghini, Maserati and Porsche – it continues the proud Potenza family legacy.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Vredestein Tires, the renowned  European tyre brand from Apollo Tyres Ltd, immersed attendees in the vibrant automotive culture of the 1980s and 1990s at the recent RADwood SoCal event. The brand curated a compelling showcase of era-defining vehicles, each fitted with period-correct Vredestein tyres to celebrate its legacy of combining classic authenticity with modern performance. A key attraction was a 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, equipped with Hitracs tyres and on loan from the Petersen Automotive Museum, which will be awarded in a forthcoming November sweepstakes.

Further demonstrating its product versatility, Vredestein collaborated with Los Angeles automotive influencers Abraham Ruffei, Armagan Sezenol and Steve Ellis. Their vehicles, including an R34 Nissan Skyline, a classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer and a Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet, were prominently displayed on Vredestein tyres.

The complete Vredestein corral featured:

    1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet, on Hypertrac tyres
    1982 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, on Vredestein Pinza AT tyres
    1998 Nissan R34 Skyline, on Hypertrac tyres
    1986 Land Rover Defender, on Vredestein Pinza AT tyres
    1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager Expresso, on Hypertrac tyres
    1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, on Hitrac tyres
    1986 DINAN 635CSI, on Hypertrac tyres
    1987 BMW 325, on Sprint+ tyres

Art Cervantes, Founder, RADwood, said, “Vredestein Tires is a proud supporter of RADwood and this nostalgic era of automobiles. They love helping vehicle owners across the country find those hard-to-source, period-correct sizes that complement their full array of tyre styles. Each tyre delivers performance, a premium driving experience and is aesthetically appropriate for modern classics. It’s a brand for people who love cars and see driving as an experience.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Prometeon Tyre Group, a leading company in the commercial, agricultural and OTR tyre sectors, is displaying its advanced Serie 02 radial tyres at the ongoing Agritechnica 2025, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery, which is being held in Hannover, Germany, from 9 to 15 November 2025. The company is featuring its AT02 model, a key part of its agricultural line, within the Sindipeças exhibit, a Brazilian automotive components association. This highlights a natural link to Brazil, where Prometeon manufactures these tyres at its Gravataí and Santo André facilities.

The Serie 02 range, designed for tractors (AT02), harvesters (H02) and sprayers (SX02), incorporates significant technological advancements. Its design includes reinforced lugs and an optimised tread that enhance traction and self-cleaning while reducing fuel consumption. The radial structure utilises advanced polymers to create a larger footprint, which improves load distribution, minimises soil compaction and boosts overall productivity. Built for durability, these tyres offer excellent resistance to cuts, chipping and wear. Their versatility ensures reliable performance across diverse terrains and conditions, including road travel, where they provide safety, comfort and dependable handling.

Dario Gotti, Global Head of OE and Agro Business at Prometeon, said, “Our established presence in the LATAM market has made us a benchmark in terms of performance and brand awareness in the agricultural tyre sector. Prometeon’s strategy is to extend this leadership globally, as we have already done in the Truck & Bus Radial tyres segment. In this context, Agritechnica represents an important opportunity for us to meet key customers and OEMs, with whom we have longstanding partnerships. The agricultural tyre business requires a high level of expertise, both in research and development and in manufacturing processes – elements that are core to Prometeon and allow us to play a leading role in the international market.”

Igor Zucato, Global Head of Agro R&D at Prometeon, said, “The new Serie 02 product line for the Agro business represents the culmination of our research in terms of efficiency, sustainability and performance. Every component – from the radial structure to the material compounds – has been designed to meet the needs of an increasingly technological and productivity-driven sector. Our goal is to provide operators with solutions that enhance agricultural work while reducing fuel consumption and the environmental impact.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!