The Skill Meet organised by Rubber, Chemical and Petrochemical Skill Development Council (RCPSDC) elicited keen interest from the participating industries in fulfilling the requirements of skilled individuals across all three verticals. 

RCPSDC said in a statement that it has conceived the Skill Meet as a platform to sensitise the industry on the benefits of several schemes including the government schemes available for skill training of the existing workforce and for accessing skilled individuals. More than 30 top managers of industries from Delhi, NCR, attended the Skill Meet at Faridabad. 

Dr Ashrita Tripathi, Head Training & QA at RCPSDC provided an overview of the role of RCPSDC as a sector skill council in terms of skilling and upskilling. She apprised the attending delegates on projects involving Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and CSR projects where the industry has benefitted to a large extent. 

Deepmala Moorjani, who leads the Industry Engagements at RCPSDC, said, "So far over 7,000 apprentices have been enrolled in nearly 600 rubber establishments in the country. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Karnataka are the five leading states where rubber manufacturing units have hired the maximum number of apprentices. Some of the key job roles for which apprentices have been engaged by the rubber industry include Rubber Compression Moulding Operator, Rubber Mill Operator, Rubber Internal Mixer Operator and Material Handling & Storage Operator.” 

Moorjani encouraged the industries to engage with RCPSDC for Industry paid RPL programs and CSR projects. She also described the flagship programmes of RCPSDC. Firstly, the RPL project ‘Saamarth’ which has been a trailblazer of sorts. Over one lakh people have been reskilled under the Saamarth project in the job role of “Tyre Service and Maintenance” leading to unique outcomes. Another flagship programme, ‘Utthaan’, which aims at upskilling the workforce in plastic waste segregation, processing and recycling job roles through Mobile Skill Vans. This training programme will help the unorganised trainees working as rag pickers to perform their jobs more effectively, enhance their productivity and raise their dignity in the society. 

Jan Ebben, Apprenticeship Advisor, NSDC, advocated strongly in favour of apprenticeship as an effective employment pathway for employers and employees alike. According to him, apprenticeship establishes an internal pool of skilled candidates, reduces the cost of external recruitment and results in high productivity and high retention. Moreover, apprenticeship training offers the flexibility advantage since apprenticeships can be structured according to company and industry needs known as optional trades. Since the cost of an apprenticeship is covered under CSR, it offers a huge cost advantage too, he said. 

So far five lakh apprentices have been engaged across different sectors. MSDE is targeting one million new contracts under Mission 1 Million. 

Dr A K Mathur, Vice Chairman at Indian Rubber Institute and a veteran of the rubber industry, said, “Shortage of technically skilled manpower is being faced in the industry. Provision of skills at various levels is required to increase the productivity of this workforce. RCPSDC is playing an important role by helping the candidates to get trained and certified in the appropriate skills, leading to employment opportunities in the rubber or allied industry. Also, the placement portal launched by RCPSDC is a much required tool at this hour which will benefit the entire Rubber & Plastic ecosystem.” 

The Skill Meet at Faridabad was done in association with the Prerna Group. During the meet, RCPSDC also exchanged an MoU with Prerna Engineering Education Group Pvt Ltd for the training of candidates under RPL Paid programs for various job roles of the Rubber & Plastic sector across the country. 

This Skill Meet offered a better understanding to the Rubber and plastic industries on various skilling initiatives of RCPSDC and how industries can be benefitted from the association of RCPSDC, the release added. (TT)

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT Tires), a well-established global player in the off-highway tyre market, has now entered India’s consumer segment with a determined move into the two-wheeler space. The company unveiled a new campaign called Jurrat, which signals a calculated expansion from its industrial stronghold towards becoming a comprehensive mobility brand. This initiative addresses the everyday transportation needs of millions who rely on motorcycles and scooters as their primary mode of travel. The high-energy television commercial debuted on 3 April 2026 during the Indian Men’s T20 League, a widely followed sporting event, and features brand ambassador Ranveer Singh to maximise visibility.

Jurrat, which translates to courage, captures the mindset of riders navigating unpredictable road conditions and daily routines with determination. The campaign emphasises three core product benefits that consumers value most: long life, exceptional road grip and unmatched comfort. By focusing on confidence, control and consistency during daily commutes, the narrative reinforces the belief that dependable tyre performance is the foundation of true road confidence. This product-led approach brings BKT’s brand philosophy, Elevate Your Drive, into the two-wheeler segment.

The campaign is being rolled out through a robust media mix that includes both television and digital platforms. High-impact placements are strategically used to ensure maximum reach, visibility and engagement, allowing BKT Tyres to effectively introduce itself as a holistic mobility brand addressing everyday transport needs.

Mahesh Koppad, Chief Marketing Officer – India, BKT Tyres, said, “India’s two-wheeler segment reflects the way the country moves, works and progresses on a daily basis. As depicted in the film featuring Ranveer Singh, riders today operate in dynamic and often unpredictable environments, where confidence is increasingly defined by control and consistency. Anchored in its ‘Elevate Your Drive’ proposition, ‘Jurrat’ highlights how performance-led tyres, engineered for long life, comfort and grip, enhance the overall riding experience, enabling assured, uninterrupted movement that supports not just mobility but progress in everyday life. With our entry into the two-wheeler segment, BKT Tyres remains focused on meeting evolving consumer expectations while strengthening our position across high-growth mobility segments.”

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Ironman Tires, a brand owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company (HTR), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, has unveiled the iMOVE Sport G2, a next generation all season ultra-high-performance tyre crafted for modern sport sedans, performance crossovers and select electric vehicles. This launch responds directly to shifting demands in the automotive market.

Building on the original iMOVE Gen2 A/S, the new model features an advanced tread compound, a refined tread pattern and better durability. It offers confident traction on both dry and wet roads, extended tread life and a quieter, more comfortable ride. Priced competitively, it helps dealers gain ground in the rapidly growing Tier 4 performance tyre segment. The asymmetrical tread layout balances precision handling with daily comfort, using large outer shoulder blocks for cornering stability and a continuous centre rib for straight line control. Strategically placed 3D siping and angled grooves push water away from the contact patch to improve wet and light snow traction, while a variable pitch tread sequence cuts road noise for commutes or long trips.

A new generation rubber compound reduces heat buildup and extends tread life by managing frictional heat and optimising rubber density, which also boosts fuel efficiency. The tyre is EV ready, designed to handle the higher torque and weight of electric vehicles. Available in 17 sizes for 18- to 21-inch rim diameters, 16 sizes will arrive by early May, with the first eight ready now. Several emerging sizes new to the Ironman lineup give dealers fresh sales opportunities.

Competitive pricing and dedicated merchandising support help dealers grow their share in the value-oriented performance tyre segment while maintaining strong inventory and fill rates. The iMOVE Sport G2 comes with a 5-year limited protection policy covering workmanship and materials, road hazard protection and a 50,000-mile (approximately 80,467-km) warranty.

Keith Calcagno, Chief Strategy Officer, Proprietary Brands, American Tire Distributors, said, “The ultra‑high‑performance tyre market has evolved rapidly as vehicles become more powerful and more refined and as demand grows for tyres that can meet the unique requirements of electric vehicles. The iMOVE Sport G2 delivers the performance drivers expect while helping dealers boost inventory flexibility and capture more market share.”

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GRP Ltd, a leading manufacturer of reclaimed rubber, engineering plastics and repurposed polyolefins, has announced the retirement of Virendra Rathod, President of Marketing and Business Development, effective 31 March 2026. Following his retirement, Rathod will no longer be part of the company’s senior management personnel, said the company in its BSE filing.

During a board meeting held on 27 March 2026, the directors formally took note of Rathod’s retirement and recorded their appreciation for his valuable contributions throughout his service with GRP Ltd. His departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in the company’s marketing and business development functions.

In a separate leadership change, Jyoti Sancheti has resigned from her role as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, effective from the close of business on 7 April 2026 to pursue external opportunities. Consequently, she will also step down from additional responsibilities, including Compliance Officer under the SEBI Prohibition of Insider Trading Regulations, Nodal Officer under IEPF rules and the authorised person for determining event materiality and stock exchange disclosures under SEBI Listing Regulations.

GRP Ltd has confirmed that the process to appoint a new Company Secretary is underway and will be completed within the prescribed timeframe.

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Niutech Environment Technology Corporation (Niutech), a China-based company specialising in continuous pyrolysis technology for recycling waste tyres, plastics and oil sludge, marked a major milestone on 24 March 2026 as its majority owned subsidiary, Shandong Hesheng Environment Technology Co., Ltd., broke ground on a significant expansion. This project will add 100,000 tonnes of annual tyre pyrolysis capacity, raising Hesheng’s total processing volume from 60,000 to 160,000 tonnes per year. With this increase, Hesheng becomes the world’s largest operation for collecting, processing and comprehensively utilising scrap tyres through pyrolysis technology.

At the heart of this expansion is Niutech’s latest generation of high capacity, continuous intelligent pyrolysis equipment, which delivers better performance in per unit output, system reliability and automation compared to conventional designs. These improvements are expected to reduce operating costs per tonne and strengthen the overall financial viability of the project. Solving the challenge of large scale, uninterrupted commercial pyrolysis has long been a central goal for the industry. This project proves Niutech’s progress not only in advanced equipment development but also in making continuous pyrolysis practical for widespread industrial use.

On the product quality side, Hesheng has drawn on Niutech’s research capabilities to steadily improve the consistency and performance of its pyrolytic outputs. The tyre derived oil has already earned international certifications, giving it access to demanding global markets. At the same time, through ongoing technical innovation, the pyrolysis carbon black is being upgraded towards standardised, higher value applications. These efforts directly address customer needs for uniform quality, reliable handling and strong application specific performance.

With the circular economy gaining speed worldwide, major tyre producers, chemical companies and material buyers are seeking greater volumes of high-grade pyrolysis oil and carbon black. Once the expanded facility is online, Hesheng will be equipped to meet that demand with stable, large-scale supply of dependable recycled materials. Niutech has also stated that it will continue using its public company strengths in technology and capital to drive further equipment upgrades and broader deployment of pyrolysis systems, supporting global waste tyre recycling and low carbon development.

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