“We will be implementing all our learnings of the previous years into the operations. In choosing a plant location, we consider the distance between our customers and ensure that we can keep up our supply while maintaining sufficient inventory and work on a VMI model, as we do for all the major tyre makers in Thailand. We are working on designing the process lines which will be much better in terms of product quality, environmental standards and productivity. Overall, we aim to install a world-class facility which will make working more efficient and effective in all aspects,” said Yashovardhan Chordia, Director, Rajratan Thai Wire Co ,  a 100 percent subsidiary of Rajratan Global Wire

The company had completed its brownfield expansion in March 2020, post which the national lockdown was announced. However, manufacturing revived sharply when markets re-opened, enabling Rajratan Global Wire to support and meet its customer demands with enhanced capacities. “As explained before, the China + 1 supplier need of global players coupled with the expanding demand for tyre in local and export markets is quite encouraging. It has given us the necessary confidence to go for further expansion in Thailand and a new greenfield plant in India (Chennai, Tamil Nadu). Our Chennai plant will also enable us to meet the increasing export demand owing to its proximity to the port,” explained Chordia.

National lockdown in 2020 affected the company as it did to all industries. The company’s manufacturing activities were shut for more than a month in India and took a planned shutdown for 25 days in Thailand since the demand was relatively low. However, Covid did not create any structural changes to the company’s business. “Except for the first month of the initial lockdown, demand was robust for subsequent months. We have been witnessing good opportunities to sell much bigger volumes.

Also, due to Covid and the logistics turmoil, many customers are looking at a China + 1 supplier strategy for their international business. This has consequently led to a rise in our customer base within export markets. Domestically, we also see customers increasing their buying from local sources to reduce the risk of supply shortage hampering their production, , ” said Chordia.

Rajratan Global Wire now offers bead wire to its customers from both locations – Indore and Thailand, wherever feasible – to ensure regular supplies. It has shifted a few of its export customers to India to counter the poor container availability. “There has been a reduction in the (volume) import of raw materials from China for many years, which now has reduced even further. Covid challenges allowed us to develop other alternatives timely, and these have all been streamlined now,” added Chordia.

Logistic costs have surged to new highs, and the availability of containers and drivers have been challenging. “As I explained previously, we are offering products to our customers from both locations, wherever the logistics cost is cheaper. We have also made few agreements with the shipping lines and other related parties to improve reliability, especially if the price remains unchanged. I think the cost of logistics today is high everywhere, so we are all sailing in the same boat. Over the year, there have been instances where cost went up so much that eventually customers had to explore other sources. At the same time, there are many new markets and a growing list of customers is being added at a steady rate,” said Chordia.

India is an oligopoly market with four manufacturers followed by imports. Rajratan has the largest manufacturing capacity amongst the four. The size of the Indian market currently stands at approximately 110,000 to 120,000 tonnes, including cycle tyres. Rajratan Global Wire has expanded its capacity to meet the growing requirement of domestic tyre companies which are witnessing strong local and export demand. “The capacity expansions taken up by local tyre manufacturers have given the confidence to set up a new greenfield facility in Chennai (port-based) to target the growing domestic as well as export markets,” explained Chordia.

In Thailand, Rajratan Global Wire is expanding its capacity from 40,000 TPA to 60,000 TPA to meet the local demand, otherwise impacted by the lack of bead wire supplies from manufacturers outside Thailand. “This has also provided the necessary boost to our local Thailand sales figures as we are the only local bead wire manufacturer in Thailand,” said Chordia.

Many major Chinese tyre companies have established their base in the SEA countries to avoid US traffic, and this has brought further opportunities to Rajratan Global Wire. According to Chordia, post the pandemic and due to the current logistics issues, the opportunity has become more prominent as all the tyre manufacturers in the SEA region are looking to source more locally. “We have a good opportunity as suppliers since there are six big Chinese tyre companies in Thailand, a couple of them in Vietnam and a few upcoming ones in Indonesia. We are in a sweet spot to meet the requirements of local tyre manufacturers (including Chinese tyre companies) in Thailand as well as from local tyre manufacturers in India, the two biggest tyre manufacturing markets in Asia outside China,” said the company executive.

The company focuses on several key aspects like adhesive strength, rubber coverage, elongation and tensile strength to achieve the required quality. “These are areas we continuously keep working on to improve our offerings to our customers. We at Rajratan have developed that culture of improvement, and it has been our key to whatever success we have had in business today,” added Chordia.

Rajratan Global Wire is working on digitalising and automating its operations in line with Industry 4.0 and on the sustainability front. The company aims to reduce its water consumption by 70-80 percent and use more recycled raw material (steel) to make its product. Rajratan Global Wire has also improvised on its product packing and reduced the usage of paper, wood and plastic.

Bead wire forms nearly three percent of the cost of making a tyre but is a critical product as it is instrumental in holding the tyre to the wheel’s rim. Rajratan Global Wire’s product is a critical raw material in the tyre and affects the safety factor of the tyre. The company is putting significant efforts to improve the product quality continuously. “We are always in dialogue with our customers on identifying areas of improvement to grow our presence. We manufacture the widest range of bead wire (sizes) in India,” added Chordia.

Talking about the changing bead wire technology for EV tyres, Chordia said, “From whatever we know till now from our customers, there is no major change in the use of bead wire for the EV tyres. Yes, I think their focus will be to make lighter tyres for EV. There is a possibility that this might further change the bead wire sizes and strength of the wire. I have not come across any discussion about a substitute for the existing bead wire up until now.”

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”