As per Govt. of India’s Automotive Mission Plan, by 2026, India will be the third largest automobile manufacturer globally, 12% of GDP will be from automobile sector and will generate around 65 million employment. As per Rubber Skill Development Council (RSDC), in the next decade, 1 million trained and skilled manpower will be required in the Indian Rubber MSME sector including organized Tyre & non tyre sectors. This translates to 1 lakh people have to be trained every year. This is a gigantic task and it requires to create significant infrastructure for skill development & training in the country for rubber sector.

Centre of Excellence

Encouraged by our Hon’ble. Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission and Atmanirbhar Bharat and continuous effort for Skill development & to enhance indigenous technology development capability, we the members of Indian Rubber Institute (IRI) took initiative to establish Centre of Excellence for Rubber Technology Education, Training, Research, Testing and Skill Development at JSS Science & Technology Campus, Mysuru. The JSS Mahavidyapeetha Management were kind enough to provide 10,000 sq.ft land area on long lease for establishment of this centre. In this regard, IRI has signed an MoU with JSS MVP on 18th March 2021. IRI decided to dedicate this Centre of Excellence under the name of late Dr D. Banerjee, who is known as Father of Indian Rubber Industry. This Centre is aimed to be empanelled with RSDC / NSDC, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt. Of India as a premier institute for Skill Development for rubber sector in India. We envisage that this center would not only generate employment but also produce a large number of entrepreneurs, who in turn would generate further employment and contribute to MSME segments. Apart from producing skilled manpower, this Centre is also planned to provide Rubber product development, consulting and testing services to the rubber industry in order to become self-sustainable Centre in future.

The construction of the 32,000 sq. ft. building for proposed Centre of Excellence already completed. This building consists of one auditorium (seating capacity 225 people), two training halls, one library-cum-documentation centre, one workshop, rubber processing lab and various testing laboratories (Physical, Analytical, Chemical & characterization) including data analytic lab for training, skill development and hands on training on equipment & machineries for rubber & allied industries including tyre testing and auto rubber component testing facility. These testing facilities will cater the needs of meeting skill requirement of Emerging Legislations & Regulations in automobile and tyre industries like Fuel Efficiency, Safety, etc.

The estimated cost of this establishment is around Rs 60 Crores for Building, Furniture/fixtures and equipment/machinery in three phases. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Rubber Skill Development Council (RSDC) are helping IRI to establish the centre.

Activities of Dr. D Banerjee Centre of Excellence

• To fulfil the objective of Indian Rubber Institute

• To provide sustainable employment and improved quality of life to more than 20,000 people through implementation of this project in next seven years in association with RSDC/NSDC.

• Entrepreneurship Development - To upgrade skill of workers in rubber & allied industry (MSME Sector) and to encourage entrepreneurship through appropriate skill & technology interventions as to enable them to produce quality rubber products at a competitive price.

• Providing training to increase the productivity & efficiency of MSME Sector in Rubber & Allied industry.

• Testing, Benchmarking, Reverse Engineering, Failure Analysis, Compound Development, Product Development, Simulation & Modeling, Data Analytics and Certification for tyre & non tyre sector (Tyre Testing and Auto Rubber Component Testing facility)

• Technology Development for Rubber MSME sector for creating new avenues for sustenance of MSMEs in rubber industry - To create Design Studio for development of new products / designs and prototypes to cope with diversification and changes in use of rubber in the industry

• To create Centre of excellence with well integrated forward and backward linkages.

• To impart with latest information regarding technology, process, marketing and the changing needs of customers.

• To coordinate with all associations (AIRIA, ATMA, ACMA, SIAM, SAE, IITs & Other Universities for promoting Rubber Technology Education, Training, Skill Development, Testing and R&D for Rubber and allied industries.

• Continue to offer Diploma & Post Graduate Diploma in Rubber Technology in association with RTC, IIT Kharagpur and expanding to neighbouring countries (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam etc.)

• Starting of B.Voc. Course in Rubber Technology in association with JSS Science & Technology University, Mysore and Rubber Skill Development Council (RSDC).

• Jointly conducting short term courses, workshops, seminars & conferences with Department of Polymer Science & Technology, JSS S&T University, Mysore and other Universities/institute of national importance.

• This centre will act as a Nodal Centre for Skill Development and Training in Rubber Sector in Southern Region in particular in the State of Karnataka. (TT)

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Celebrated French cyclist Romain Bardet is entering a profound partnership with Michelin to serve as the strategic ambassador for its Gravel segment. This alliance is founded on a mutual commitment to pioneering innovation and sustainable performance within the discipline. Both Bardet and the Michelin Group share deep roots in France’s Auvergne region, reinforcing a natural cultural and geographical synergy that underscores a joint pursuit of excellence.

Beginning in 2026, Bardet will dedicate his racing calendar almost entirely to international Gravel events, aiming for podium results at competitions like the UCI Gravel World Series. His recent decisive win at a major Gravel event in Australia already signals his strong competitive potential in this arena. In his role, Bardet will initially compete on existing Michelin products such as the MICHELIN Power Gravel.

From 2027 onward, his involvement will deepen to actively co-develop future Gravel product ranges. By providing real-time feedback from diverse terrains and race conditions, Bardet will enable Michelin’s technical teams to refine and optimise product development directly from the field. This collaboration strategically merges elite athletic insight with engineering expertise to advance Gravel cycling innovation on a global scale.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd reported a 12 percent increase in consolidated revenue for the third quarter of the 2025–26 financial year, supported by double-digit growth in both its Indian and European operations.

For the three months ended 31 December, 2025, the tyre maker recorded revenue from operations of INR 77.43 billion, compared with INR 69.28 billion a year earlier. Operating profit rose 25 percent to INR 11.86 billion, while net profit increased 40 percent to Rs 4.71 billion.

For the first nine months of the financial year, revenue rose seven percent to INR 211.35 billion, up from INR 197.00 billion in the corresponding period last year. Operating profit for the period increased 12 percent to INR 30.74 billion.

Net profit for the nine months stood at INR 7.41 billion, compared with INR 9.37 billion a year earlier. The company said the figure included an estimated pre-tax restructuring cost of INR 5.45 billion, disclosed as an exceptional item.

Onkar Kanwar, Chairman of Apollo Tyres Ltd, said the company delivered double-digit volume growth across geographies and market segments during the quarter.

“My compliments to the team for delivering double-digit volume growth across geographies and market segments in the past quarter,” he said. “India recorded its best quarterly performance to date, driven by strong growth across replacement, exports and OEM channels. Our European Operations also performed in line with the broader market. Encouragingly, demand momentum remains healthy, and we expect this trajectory to sustain going forward.”

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Building upon the foundation of their joint venture, UniPyrum, Pyrum Innovations AG and UNITANK Holding GmbH are advancing their collaboration into a concrete implementation phase. A key milestone has been reached with the signing of a high six-figure engineering and consulting agreement between Pyrum and UniPyrum, which also serves as the joint venture's inaugural order. This contract, for which an initial payment has already been made, focuses on the approval process and basic engineering for the partnership's first tyre recycling plant. The selected site is an existing UNITANK tank farm in Emleben, Thuringia, a location chosen for its excellent logistical access and established infrastructure.

This facility in Emleben represents the initial project within a broader vision to develop five to 10 such plants across Germany and Europe. The UniPyrum management team has begun its strategic work, securing preliminary funding and holding meetings to coordinate operational steps and site development. A primary focus of this early phase is the systematic identification and evaluation of strategic locations for subsequent projects.

To propel the ambitious pipeline forward, the venture's immediate priorities include selecting sites for the next two German plants and commencing the requisite planning and approval procedures. To manage this expansion effectively, UniPyrum plans to recruit specialised personnel, ensuring that the development of all projects progresses both efficiently and on schedule. This structured approach marks a significant transition from planning to active execution for the partnership.

Pascal Klein, CEO, Pyrum Innovations AG, said, “With the signing of the engineering contract, we are setting a decisive milestone together with UNITANK for the implementation of our first joint venture plant in Europe. The plant in Emleben is another driver of our growth strategy in Germany and lays the foundation for the widespread introduction of our pioneering recycling technology and the supply of system-critical raw materials produced from waste to Europe.”

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Tyres Europe has announced that Brisa and Marangoni have become Full Members of the association, strengthening the European tyre manufacturing industry's collective presence.

Commenting on the development, Livio Magni, President, Tyres Europe, said, “We are pleased to welcome Brisa and Marangoni to Tyres Europe. Their joining reflects the importance of a strong and united industry voice at the European level, particularly at a time of increasing regulatory complexity and transformation for the tyre sector.”

Adam McCarthy, Secretary General, Tyres Europe, said, “The joining of Brisa and Marangoni reinforces the diversity and expertise within Tyres Europe, particularly in retreading and circular economy solutions. We look forward to working closely together on key EU policy files affecting competitiveness, sustainability and innovation in the tyre industry.”

Cenk Koçdor, Chief Growth Officer, Brisa, said, “Being part of such an influential platform that shapes the future of the industry at both European and global levels always makes us happy and proud. Through this full membership, we will contribute to the dialogue on regulations and market dynamics while strengthening our market intelligence to deliver greater value for our customers. With our capabilities, we will help reinforce the strategic role of tyres within a sustainable mobility ecosystem and support the industry’s readiness for the future.”

Vittorio Marangoni, President, Marangoni, said, “We are proud to regain our status as a Full Member and look forward to contributing to the European tyre industry during this challenging period. We will also be happy to share with Tyres Europe our specific expertise in the circular economy of tyres.”

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