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…

As part of a strategic effort to increase its presence in the region's premium original equipment (OE) market, Kumho Tire has confirmed its plans to establish its first tyre production facility in Europe by 2027.

The company has shortlisted Poland, Serbia and Portugal as possible locations for the plant, which is projected to need an investment of more than KRW1 trillion (USD 705 million). The decision is closely linked to Kumho’s ambition to strengthen its partnerships with European automakers and was revealed by Kumho Tire CEO during the South Korean premiere of Kumho's new Ecsta Sport tyre line.

Kumho has recently secured OE supply contracts with major brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen Group. At the moment, Kumho runs eight tyre production plants in China, Vietnam, South Korea and the US. Its capacity to compete in the premium OE market, however, has come to be perceived as being constrained by the absence of a European production base. Through the benefits of local production, the new facility will improve response to European client requests, save freight costs and shorten delivery times, all of which will strengthen the company's partnerships.

Sentury Tire USA has opened pre-enrolment for its two associate dealer programmes (ADPs), the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program and the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program, underscoring the company’s commitment to rewarding dedication and partnership to the Landsail and Delinte brands.

The ADPs, which are customised for each brand and intended to encourage dealers, will formally start on 1 June 2025. Both programmes give dealers access to special benefits, incentives and strong tools to help them expand their businesses. This involves dependable customer service, effective marketing and worthwhile financial incentives to promote dealers' success at every stage.

Beginning in Q3, dealers may earn up to USD three per tyre through the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program. Dealers can receive retroactive benefits for purchases completed in Q2 if they register before 1 June. The awards are available for all Delinte PTR, LTR and the new DV3 LMD AS last-mile delivery tyres. For all Landsail PTR and LTR tyres, independent dealers that sign up for the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program can also earn up to USD three per tyre. For customers who sign up by June 1, the new LMD 100 AS last-mile delivery is also eligible for the benefits and will get the same early bird incentive for Q2 2025.

No initial order is necessary. Dealers only need to register to begin making money. According to the monthly programme rewards structure, 48 tyre purchases each month are eligible for a reward of USD one per tyre, 120 tyres are eligible for a reward of USD two per tyre and 240 or more tyres are eligible for a reward of USD three per tyre.

ENSO, a London-based tyre manufacturer engaged in the production of sustainable tyres specially designed for electric vehicles (EVs), has launched its new ENSO Premium range of EV-specific ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres aimed at drivers of high-performance EVs such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Specifically designed for electric passenger vehicles, the ENSO Premium range comes with A/A EU-label ratings for both energy efficiency and wet grip. The tyres are designed to provide safety, increased range and a reduced total cost of ownership. Conventional tyre designs frequently fall short of the special performance needs of electric vehicles, which include greater vehicle weight, regenerative braking and higher torque loads. By lowering tyre wear and rolling resistance, ENSO Premium takes care of these issues.

The company is an authorised provider of replacement tyres for LEVC's electric taxis and has partnered with Uber to install its tyres in high-mileage metropolitan areas. The company now plans to grow throughout Europe and North America, and with ENSO Premium, it is now offering its services to individual EV owners throughout the United Kingdom. According to ENSO, the range offers advantages including longer tyre life and fewer replacements, lower energy usage, fewer charging stops and lower CO₂ emissions and tyre particle pollution.

Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, CEO and Co-Founder, ENSO, said, “We’re plugging a long-standing gap in the tyre market by offering EV drivers a purpose-built, affordable, premium EV tyre alternative that matches the innovation of their EV.”

Kraton Corporation, a leading global sustainable producer of specialty polymers and high-value bio-based products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has announced a general price hike in North America for its SBS, SIS and HSBC product lines with effect from 1 May 2025.

Following a careful analysis of the effects of recently implemented tariffs, related cost increases and a conclusion that the company cannot independently absorb these repercussions, Kraton is adopting these pricing hikes, according to a company statement. The company further said that it will keep an eye on the scene and reassess these measures promptly in the event that conditions and US import tariffs alter.