“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.”

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Michelin has expanded its retail footprint in North India by inaugurating two Michelin Tyres & Services (MTS) outlets, located in Amritsar and Panchkula. The Amritsar location operates through a partnership with National Auto, while the Panchkula facility is a collaboration with Universal Tyres. This development underscores the French tyre giant’s strategy to place its globally recognised products and services within closer reach of consumers in a rapidly developing automotive market.

Each of the new establishments spans 5,000 square feet, situated strategically on Loharka Road and within Panchkula’s Industrial Area. Designed as modern service hubs, they provide a full spectrum of offerings, ranging from passenger car and two-wheeler tyres to advanced wheel alignment and mechanical maintenance. The stores stock renowned product lines such as the Primacy, Pilot Sport and Latitude Sport series, aiming to deliver a premium and seamless experience for vehicle owners.

The selection of Amritsar and Panchkula reflects Michelin’s assessment of their growth potential, driven by tourism, infrastructure projects and a rising number of private vehicle owners. To capitalise on these opportunities, Michelin has aligned with established regional players. National Auto, a trusted entity in Amritsar since 1927, brings a long-standing reputation for quality service, while Universal Tyres contributes over three decades of technical expertise and market knowledge in the Panchkula region.

These partnerships are central to Michelin’s broader objective of delivering superior mobility solutions rooted in safety and durability. By combining its own technological leadership with the local acumen of its partners, the company aims to strengthen its service ecosystem and cater to the evolving demands of the northern Indian automotive sector.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “North India continues to be a key market in Michelin's growth journey, supported by rising vehicle ownership, improving road infrastructure and growing demand for premium mobility solutions. The launch of our new Michelin Tyres & Services Stores in Amritsar and Panchkula marks another important step in strengthening our retail presence and bringing Michelin's globally benchmarked products and services closer to customers across the region. As we prepare to introduce Made-in-India passenger car tyres, we remain focused on delivering solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Indian consumers.”

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Tyres Europe has issued a formal call for the Industrial Accelerator Act to be revised, urging policymakers to grant greater recognition to the tyre sector’s strategic importance within the continent’s automotive ecosystem. In a newly published position paper, the organisation argues that the current framework insufficiently addresses the industry’s unique contributions and challenges.

The association is advocating for several key amendments, including an expanded scope that acknowledges tyres as critical components in both the replacement and original equipment markets, thereby stimulating demand for EU-manufactured products. Additionally, Tyres Europe proposes the establishment of a Union origin definition that would prioritise European production in public procurement and state-aid schemes. The paper also highlights tyres’ potential to enhance energy efficiency and lower CO2 emissions for light vehicles, while calling for dedicated backing for retreaded and EU-made truck and bus tyres, alongside increased financial mechanisms for industrial decarbonisation and improved governance of manufacturing acceleration zones.

With these targeted modifications, Tyres Europe contends that the Industrial Accelerator Act could effectively foster a market for low-carbon, high-performance tyres produced domestically. Such adjustments would simultaneously bolster competitiveness, support decarbonisation goals and reinforce the overall resilience of Europe’s automotive supply chain.

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Tegeta Green Planet and Toyota Center Tegeta served as the primary backers for a summer camp organised by Word Academy, which brought together adolescents between the ages of 8 and 17 in the Kakheti region. The initiative was designed as a digital detox, with all forms of screens and online platforms set aside in favour of immersive, real-world learning experiences.

The week-long agenda was deliberately varied, mixing educational seminars with hands-on exercises, strategic games, and open-forum conversations. Campers were given the opportunity to interact with experts from a range of occupations, all while developing their abilities in analytical reasoning, group coordination and ethical decision-making through carefully structured activities.

A significant portion of the schedule was given over to ecological subjects, with Shalva Akhvlediani, Director of Tegeta Green Planet, and his colleagues leading sessions on waste management and sustainability. The discussions centred on closed-loop systems, producer accountability frameworks and the correct disposal methods for vehicle-derived refuse, including used tyres, spent batteries and lubricating oils. Following these briefings, the teenagers engaged in spirited debates and cooperative challenges that explored the connection between daily habits and broader environmental health.

By the conclusion of the camp, the participants had reached a collective understanding that safeguarding nature is a duty shared equally by citizens, public institutions and commercial entities. Tegeta Green Planet views such educational outreach as a cornerstone of its mission. Toyota Center Tegeta echoed this sentiment, stating through its actions that nurturing youthful minds and ecological mindfulness are indispensable steps toward a resilient and enlightened tomorrow.

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Maxxis has unveiled the next iteration of its MaxxTerra rubber compound, engineered to substantially enhance both durability and traction for mountain bike tyres. The updated formulation maintains the low rolling resistance that characterises the brand’s performance range, addressing rider demands for extended tyre life without compromising capability on difficult trails.

Following extensive laboratory development and testing, Maxxis engineers achieved measurable improvements over the original compound. The new version exhibits a minimum 30 percent increase in tread wear resistance and a 15 percent gain in grip, all while preserving rolling efficiency. This advancement translates to prolonged riding sessions and reduced frequency of tyre changes for end users.

The enhanced compound will be progressively integrated across the entire trail tyre lineup, with the initial phase currently available. Consumers can distinguish the updated product through packaging marked with a ‘New MaxxTerra’ graphic, while the tyre’s sidewall badge now simply displays ‘MaxxTerra’, replacing the previous ‘3C MaxxTerra’ designation.

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