At the end of the day, the most decisive reason for innovation is that on the one hand the customer wants the best in the shortest amount of time and for the lowest price, and on the other hand the manufacturer wants to deliver the equipment as expected while making a profit. Everyone's inputs grow, and we all expect lower outputs. Both parties have fundamentally one thing in common: they want a line with the best parameters and at a good price. For one, it is budget and for the other, profit.

The path is the goal.

A well-prepared journey will help accomplish the goal. The path begins in the preparation and pricing of the project, in the communication of both parties. In modularity, in unification and standardisation. Also, in the use of the right CAD software, PLM system, linking the standing documentation with electrical documentation, with pneumatic documentation, and with hydraulic diagrams. The interconnectedness of PLM, PDM, CRM and ERP is is a necessary basis for success.

But even in this area, there is no need to go into everything headless and at once. Choosing a path is about carefully considering all the steps in assembling an imaginary puzzle. The trajectory in the imaginary pyramid of success does not have to be universal. It must be clearly defined, measurable and strategically defined and based on the vision of advancing society.

Customising incremental sections of a path creates a standard.

There is a lot of talk about I4.0 at the moment and it is being applied a lot. But are we doing it right? Are we following the right procedure?

It is not enough to deploy smart components and collect data from the line, create trends and statistics. Adding a number of sensors to have an almost perfect overview of what is happening on the line, increasing the level of automation and many marketing messages. Yes, marketing is also needed, but with a clear head, because otherwise it will cost us a lot and it will be disproportionate to the amount invested. Alternatively, the return on investment will be long and uninteresting.

FoIA, our company, significantly presents, holds, and understands areas of I4.0. However, it can also apply it correctly. Apply it so that it meets mutual expectations and ensure return on investment.

At the same time, company FoIA learns how to correctly apply the principles of I5.0. How not to create waste neither solid nor social nor urban nor waste from the process. This topic has its author, it is a new concept with fundamental principles so that with I4.0 we do not forget what we produce.

Innovation

As I mentioned, manufacturers of lines and equipment for the rubber industry are under pressure from customers, investors, the industry in which they operate. They are under pressure from new expectations and trends. The effect of this is that, in principle, the production system of semi-finished products for the production of car tyres has not fundamentally changed in recent years. I am not talking about the materials used. I have been working in this industry for 19 years, moving from mechanical design, electrical construction, project management to managerial functions and up to the level of CTO.

I have seen several devices around the world from reputable manufacturers and during my 19 years of experience, as a FoIA representative, I can thoroughly assess that the Tyre Technology Production line has a very conservative approach to new technologies and to changing the principle of thinking.

This is despite the fact that we are inspired by the industries ahead and around us, which are in the context of a huge trend in robotics and automation from other industries much further.

Finding a few trends in production facilities or smart factories or being proud that “we have put a robot on the line” will not make us an innovator.

When creating lines, experience, references and working applications often play a role, and many other aspects that we do not like to interfere with, we are glad that they exist, that it is possible to rely on them.

As manufacturers of machinery and equipment, in addition to our technical knowledge, we must also involve our imagination for non-traditional solutions and the ability to listen to the needs of the end customer.

It is also necessary to take into account the qualitative indicators of the customer. Such as the rolling resistance coefficient of a tyre or the unevenness of tyre wear. Negative parameters can be removed by the concept and functionality of the production line for semi-finished products. It is not correct if only one side deals with the problem of the common product (tyre).

Innovation is evolution.

The advantage of FoIA is an unbiased but experienced view of current solutions, the current process of creating documentation, the current thinking in creating the concept of the production line. The path is different in thinking, in the way of properly investing time in new solutions, effective deployment of R&D capabilities on a strategic path to achieve the goal.

Changing not only the product but also the product creation process. These two parallel branches are so tied that they both must go together like two skis. If one dodges without the other, you will fall. If they go together, they go together safely, correctly, and quickly.

The strategic principle will bring the benefits you expect.

If, as a manufacturer of production lines and equipment, the costs of creating new lines are constantly rising and you are proud of I4.0, innovation, automation and robotics, I dare to say that you do not have the right strategy.

If you, as a manufacturer of car tyres, have increasing cost of purchasing new lines and increasing financial return from them, increasing cost of operation and maintenance, then you do not have the right strategy.

We at FoIA strive to change the way of thinking, to firmly tie the process to products, to apply new trends and to create innovations so that the development of both parties is sustainable and brings the expected effect.

FolA is open to cooperation with machine and equipment manufacturers as well as tyre manufacturers. We can find the right path to the goal that we can determine together. Our job is to find a solution to your company’s product or process problem.

Every cause has a consequence, and every shortcoming has room for innovation.

It is necessary for us to bring new solutions, new technologies and not be afraid to apply and test them. (TT)

PS: After all, even such a multi extruders line is "only" a multi 3D printer…

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A new, comprehensive national campaign is underway to address the critical issue of tyre safety within UK fleets. Spearheaded by TyreSafe, the UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, this six-week educational initiative is founded upon three specialised toolkits developed in collaboration with industry leaders Driving for Better Business (DfBB), FORS and Lancashire County Council. This represents the most extensive suite of business-focused tyre safety resources the organisation has ever released, aiming to help companies strengthen compliance, enhance driver safety and achieve significant operational cost savings.

The campaign seeks to reframe tyre maintenance from a purely technical concern to a core business priority with profound implications. Neglected tyres present a major safety hazard, contributing to a heightened risk of collisions. Alarmingly, government data reveals that in 2024, 29 percent of all road fatalities occurred in incidents involving someone driving for work. Beyond the human cost, poorly maintained tyres have a direct financial and environmental impact; they waste fuel, increase emissions and lead to premature wear. This is particularly concerning given that transport remains a primary source of UK greenhouse gas emissions. Research underscores the scale of the problem, indicating that a majority of tyres on UK roads are underinflated and a significant number of vehicles are operating with at least one dangerous tyre.

To provide practical solutions, the three new toolkits offer step-by-step guidance and editable resources for seamless implementation. Developed with DfBB, the Grey Fleet Toolkit assists employers in managing the safety of employee-owned vehicles used for business purposes. In partnership with FORS, the Fleet Tyre Management Toolkit helps companies embed industry best practices for tyre procurement, inspection and maintenance. Finally, the Fleet Service Manager Toolkit, created with Lancashire County Council, provides fleet leaders and workshop managers with the materials needed to integrate tyre safety into staff training and daily operational checks. This broader effort by TyreSafe encourages businesses to view proper tyre care through the interconnected lenses of legal compliance, financial cost and carbon footprint, demonstrating how correct maintenance simultaneously reduces risk, saves money and supports sustainability targets. All resources are now available on the TyreSafe website.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “Tyre safety is not just about maintenance – it’s about responsibility. Every underinflated or worn tyre adds to a business’s costs, carbon footprint and legal exposure. Through these new toolkits and our six-week education campaign, we want to help fleets of every size understand that tyre safety is a measurable way to protect lives, budgets and reputations. Lancashire County Council’s partnership shows how tyre safety can be woven into daily operations, not added as an afterthought. By embedding simple checks into training and supervision, fleet teams can prevent incidents before they happen. Tyres are often missed during daily checks but one of the biggest influences on safety. We urge business drivers and fleet managers to ACT to ensure sound tyre safety management is included in their fleet policies which can make every journey safer, more efficient and sustainable.”

Simon Turner, Engagement Manager, DfBB, said, “Grey fleet drivers represent a hidden risk for many employers. This toolkit helps organisations bring them into the same safety and compliance framework as company drivers – meeting legal obligations and protecting everyone on the road.”

Daniel Fisher, Fleet Services Manager, Lancashire County Council, said, “Partnering with TyreSafe has allowed us to leverage our fleet management experience to provide practical guidance for others. The Fleet Service Manager Toolkit shows how simple, consistent tyre checks can improve compliance, cut costs and keep drivers safer. It’s a model that any organisation – public or private – can adopt.”

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Trelleborg Tires officially launched the TM200 ProgressiveTraction, a significant innovation for the specialised vineyard and orchard sector, at the ongoing Agritechnica 2025 show. This new model is distinguished as the first conventional VF tyre specifically engineered for these demanding applications, where protecting the soil and ensuring operational stability are critical priorities.

The tyre's performance stems from the integration of VF and ProgressiveTraction technologies. The award-winning ProgressiveTraction system employs a unique double-edge lug design that substantially improves grip and stability. This configuration provides up to 15 percent more traction than standard competitor tyres, which in turn boosts productivity and fuel efficiency. Simultaneously, the VF technology allows the tyre to function at significantly lower inflation pressures without sacrificing load capacity. This capability is vital for minimising soil compaction, offering up to 40 percent greater load-bearing ability and eight percent better soil protection compared to conventional tyres. This makes the TM200 particularly well-suited for tractors using heavy front-mounted implements, enabling precise work while preserving soil structure.

Beyond traction and soil care, the tyre’s reinforced VF carcass delivers exceptional lateral stability, a key safety feature on sloped and uneven terrain. Comparative testing indicates a 26 percent improvement in lateral stability and a 10 percent longer service life relative to standard market alternatives. These attributes contribute to safer operation, reduced fuel consumption and greater long-term durability. For added convenience, each tyre includes a unique QR code, providing farmers with immediate access to detailed product information, usage guidelines, and technical support.

This launch reflects Trelleborg's broader commitment to advancing agricultural productivity through high-quality engineering. The TM200 ProgressiveTraction exemplifies this mission, offering a field-proven solution that combines performance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility for modern farming.

Luca Sabelli, Brand Director, Trelleborg Tires, said, “With the TM200 ProgressiveTraction, Trelleborg Tires continues to tread the future of the agricultural tyre industry. We are proud to introduce VF technology to specialised tractors for vineyard and orchard operations, supporting farmers in reaching new levels of performance, control and operating efficiency – transforming innovation into real advantages for tomorrow’s agriculture.”

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Alliance, a leading global brand of agricultural and off-highway tyres, introduced the Agri Star II Row Crop tyre, a significant new product extending its proven technology into the specialised row crop segment, at the Agritechnica 2025 show. This launch represents a strategic expansion of the successful Agri Star II series, which has achieved remarkable commercial success with one million units sold since its 2020 debut. Building on this momentum and driven by farmer feedback, the company has adapted its core Stratified Layer Technology (SLT) for the specific demands of row crop equipment, such as sprayers.

The new tyre is engineered as a comprehensive solution for the high-speed, multi-terrain nature of contemporary farming. It is designed for reliable performance both on the road and in the field, offering enhanced traction, greater longevity and improved road handling, all supported by a 7-year warranty. Central to its performance is the proprietary Stratified Layer Technology, which constructs each lug with two distinct layers to maintain consistent performance throughout the tyre's life. This design not only boosts braking and roadability but also helps protect crops by minimising soil compaction.

Further ensuring durability, the tyre features a robust build with integrated stubble guards and advanced, wear-resistant compounds to defend against common hazards like cuts and cracks. Its enhanced speed rating of up to 70 kmph meets the demands of modern, efficient farm logistics. To provide a tailored fit for a wide array of machinery, the Agri Star II Row Crop will be available in a comprehensive selection of sizes, ranging from 24 to 54 inches.

This product introduction reinforces Alliance’s ‘Always By Your Side’ brand philosophy and its 70-year legacy of agricultural innovation. By delivering a customised solution for the row crop category, the company aims to solidify its market position and continue addressing the evolving challenges faced by farmers worldwide.

Angelo Noronha, President & CEO, Yokohama-ATG, said, “At Alliance, we take pride in our ability to adapt and innovate based on customer feedback. The Agri Star II Row Crop tyre is a testament to our commitment to empowering farmers with solutions that address their specific challenges. By bringing our proven SLT technology to the row crop segment, we aim to set new standards for performance and reliability in this category.”

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The valedictory function for Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 at the Rubber Board served as a significant culmination to the week-long campaign, held from 27 October to 2 November. The event, which aligned with the Central Vigilance Commission's directives, aimed to champion integrity and galvanise a collective stand against corruption in public life.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Honourable Principal District and Sessions Judge for Kottayam, Manoj M, delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the severe detrimental effects of corruption on a developing economy, stating that it fundamentally undermines the constitutional values of justice and rights. He elaborated that corruption extends beyond bribery to include misappropriation, misconduct and nepotism, all of which erode the foundation of public institutions.

M Vasanthagesan, IRS, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, set the tone by welcoming the gathering and underscoring that the fight against corruption is a shared duty which must begin with individual accountability. A highlight of the function was the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions held for students and Board employees during the observance week. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Sreevidya P, the Assistant Vigilance Officer, formally bringing the awareness campaign to a close.

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