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)

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American tyre brand General Tire has officially widened its all-terrain product family by unveiling the Grabber AT3 Plus, a new all-season tyre engineered for unpredictable weather and rugged off-road use. The launch addresses the rising popularity of both traditional 4x4 vehicles and the rapidly expanding sport utility vehicle segment, offering a single solution that balances highway driving with trail capability.

When measured against the previous model, the latest Grabber delivers superior snow traction and enhanced wet-road grip thanks to a thoroughly reengineered tread design that visually signals its off-road intentions. Durability remains a priority, as both the compound and tread pattern have been optimised for harsh conditions while still providing precise handling and reduced cabin noise. The tyre is built for year-round use on pavement and dirt, and every available dimension bears the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, ensuring legal compliance for winter driving across numerous countries.

Upon its release, the Grabber AT3 Plus will be offered in rim diameters ranging from 15 to 22 inches, widths between 195 and 315 millimetres and aspect ratios of 80 down to 40 percent. Certain sizes carry LT identification along with LRD and LRE load ratings, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications, while speed ratings can reach up to 240 kilometres per hour. To achieve its balance of toughness, grip and ride quality, General Tire integrates three proprietary systems: TracGen for loose-surface traction and on-road precision, Comfort Balance for smooth rolling and noise reduction and DuraGen for cut-resistant tread blocks and stone bumpers.

A rugged sidewall with a pronounced shoulder, clear tread markings and logo detailing gives the tyre an assertive appearance that complements modern SUVs and off-road vehicles. Depending on the dimension, the Grabber AT3 Plus earns a C grade for wet braking, a B for noise emissions and most commonly a D for rolling resistance.

Matthias Bartz, Business Development Manager – EMEA, General Tire, said, “Our R&D department has achieved a remarkable feat in further developing the leading Grabber AT3. The Grabber AT3 Plus delivers improvements across all key performance areas – without any compromises.”

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Michelin North America, Inc. is participating once again in a special journey to transport World War II veterans to Normandy, France, in observance of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. The initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines, reflecting a unified effort to preserve the memory of veteran courage and sacrifice through direct, intergenerational experiences rather than solely through historical texts.

A charter flight carrying the veterans departed on 2 June, accompanied by caregivers and volunteers from the partner organisations. Over the course of a nine-day stay, the group will attend commemorative ceremonies and celebrations marking the anniversary. The Best Defense Foundation views the journey as not merely a commemoration but a meaningful opportunity for connection.

This year’s programme again includes students selected through the Best Defense Foundation’s NextGen initiative, who travel alongside the veterans as escorts and witnesses. From Omaha Beach to Pegasus Bridge and Carentan, the students will explore historic sites with those who lived through the events, ensuring that the stories of service members are passed on with authenticity and respect.

The collaboration among Michelin, the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines began in 2021 and has brought veterans back to France each year since the 78th anniversary in 2022. Michelin’s historic link to D-Day dates to spring 1944, when the 1939 Michelin Guide’s detailed maps were reprinted by Allied commanders to aid navigation in France. The company later produced additional maps for Allied advances, earning formal recognition from Allied Forces, and continues that legacy today through acts of remembrance and return.

Matthew Cabe, President and CEO, Michelin North America, Inc., said, “It is deeply meaningful and humbling for Michelin to stand alongside these veterans in Normandy. Supporting this initiative is one way we demonstrate our deep gratitude for these heroes and ensure the significance of their service is carried forward for generations to come.”

Bob Somers, Senior Vice President – Global Sales, Delta, said, “As we mark the fifth year of the Normandy Legacy Flight, we are reminded that carrying forward a legacy of this magnitude requires partners who share not only our values but a deep sense of purpose and responsibility. We are profoundly grateful for our partnership with Michelin, whose steadfast commitment and collaboration make this mission possible year after year. Together, we are honoured to pay tribute to our nation’s greatest heroes by preserving their legacy, honouring their sacrifice and ensuring their stories endure for generations to come.”

Donnie Edwards, Founder, Best Defense Foundation, said, “Michelin's commitment to this mission goes beyond sponsorship. It is a shared belief that the men and women who fought for our freedom deserve to be remembered, honoured and heard. Because of partners like Michelin, we are able to bring veterans back to the places that shaped history and ensure their stories live on in the people who will carry them forward.”

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Goodyear is set to field its most ambitious endurance racing effort to date at this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. A total of 44 cars spread across the LMGT3 and LMP2 classes will take on the famous French circuit, all riding on Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres. The event marks a significant milestone for the tyre manufacturer as it supplies nearly three-quarters of the entire starting grid.

In the LMGT3 category, all 25 entrants will rely on the familiar Goodyear Racing Eagle medium compound in dry conditions, switching to a specially developed wet tyre when rain arrives. For the 19 LMP2 machines, competitors from series such as the European Le Mans Series and their counterparts in North America and Asia will have access to an updated Eagle medium slick. That tyre first appeared at Le Castellet last season before making a strong impression at La Sarthe a month later.

Tyre management is expected to shape race strategy across both highly competitive classes. Goodyear engineers point to the possibility of some drivers completing up to four consecutive stints on a single set of slicks, a distance roughly equal to two Formula 1 Grands Prix. With regulations capping any single driver’s continuous running at four hours, equivalent to around 44 laps or 600 kilometres, last year’s dry conditions saw teams in both categories exceed that distance on one set of tyres.

More than 7,000 tyres and a team of over 100 specialists, including fitters, engineers and support staff, have been deployed to manage Goodyear’s largest endurance racing operation. Each entry receives a dedicated track support engineer. Above the circuit, the Goodyear Blimp will offer aerial experiences for guests and media, while a fan zone on the ground showcases the link between racing and the brand’s Eagle tyre range. Goodyear Racing Eagles are also competing this weekend at Pocono Raceway in NASCAR and at Bristol Dragway for the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Stephen Bickley, Goodyear Endurance Programme Manager, said, “Le Mans presents challenges unlike anything else in endurance racing because conditions constantly change across the 24 hours. Teams often face huge swings in track and ambient temperatures between day and night, while safety cars and slow zones can cool tyres before drivers are thrown straight back into racing speeds.

“Our Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compounds have been developed to have a very wide operating window, giving drivers of varying ability levels confidence throughout the race and across changing conditions. This year we could see teams running up to four consecutive stints on a single set of tyres, meaning our tyres will be able to last longer than the regulations allow drivers to stay in the car.

“Goodyear is proud to be an intrinsic part of one of motorsport’s true jewels in the crown. We always aim to put on a show for fans both on and off-track, and the extreme challenges of Le Mans provide a true opportunity for Goodyear to demonstrate its technology and expertise to a global audience.”

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Michelin has been named the world’s most valuable tyre brand for the ninth consecutive year, according to a new report by Brand Finance. The French company’s brand value rose 17 percent to reach USD 10.3 billion. Michelin also retained its title as the strongest tyre brand globally, achieving a Brand Strength Index score of 93.2 out of 100 and remaining the only tyre manufacturer with a AAA+ rating.

This achievement further positioned Michelin as France’s strongest brand in 2026 and marked its first entry into the world’s top 10 strongest brands across all industries. Bridgestone held second place among tyre brands with a six percent increase in value to USD 8.8 billion, while Continental Tires stayed third at USD 3.9 billion.

The world’s top 25 tyre brands together are now worth USD 42.3 billion, a nine percent year-on-year increase, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and intense sector competition. Giti was identified as the fastest-growing tyre brand of 2026, with a 38 percent jump in value to USD 1.5 billion, closely followed by China’s Sailun, which grew 37 percent to USD 1.2 billion.

Several other Chinese brands, including Linglong, Triangle Tyre, Sentury Tire and newcomer Double Coin, continue to expand their international presence. Apollo Tyres recorded the largest rise in Brand Strength Index score among the top 25, reaching 80.6 out of 100, reflecting stronger consumer perceptions, growing brand equity in India and increased global visibility.

Lorenzo Coruzzi, Valuation Director, Brand Finance, said, “Michelin’s continued leadership demonstrates the enduring value of a strong brand in a highly competitive market. Its exceptional performance across key research metrics such as reputation, consideration and price acceptance reinforces the strength of its position in major markets worldwide. At the same time, the rapid growth of brands across Asia-Pacific such as Giti, Sailun and Apollo shows that competitive dynamics within the tyre sector are evolving quickly, with challenger brands successfully building credibility and market presence on a global scale."

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