The Marangoni Machinery approach was to capitalise this knowledge and to leverage on human attendance to further improve the current process to design an evolution scenario: the innovation started from the “human cognitive” basics, to design a process around humans, not adopting an automation replacement approach only.

Industrial tyre building machines process has been deeply analysed by our engineers to point out pros and cons about Human-Machine-Interfaces usability, scalability and safety: the outcome was a redesign of the preparatory process (to design a production cycle, how to simulate scenarios) and then to get a more user’s friendly approach to be human cognitive oriented.

A cognitive approach is based on human perception criteria, by which is possible to redesign the human-machine interaction and so to get safer and faults-free operations.

The latest generation of Marangoni Machines design is based on several new tools to get a whole integrated tyre building process, as said, starting from production cycle design up to real-time process control. But not limited to that: we designed a new machine approach to get a real “concurrent engineering” approach, so by creating a system where Operators, Process Engineers, Maintenance Service teams etc., can get access to the same information but from different standpoint, shaped around their needs and approaches.

The new “Marangoni Station 2.0” is all around that: a human cognitive design approach (Users’ touch screen software interface, advanced 3D synoptic, process design and simulation) to get a common information HUB suitable for all users around the tyre building process flow.

In addition to that many functions for Logistics (materials traceability, lots detection and materials claim into machines), Automation Robotics (automated cycle portions design and control) and Vision System for cycle supervision and quality real-time control are embedded into the “Marangoni Station 2.0.”

An integrated Platform is not only about automation and data collection: factory logistics and production management are two other important tasks for a lean and efficient production flow. We designed new IT Architectures to handle a multi-machines environment, to be able to manage critical task such as IT obsolescence, process improvements and automation evolution, all of that by using IT industry standard architectures and innovative software platforms to focus to capitalize multigeneration capex plans and to limit opex per year.

Investments on new technology is often a heavy impact on a factory, mostly when process have to be updated or even redesigned. Our approach is a multigeneration outlook, so that a process can be updated and/or upgraded without to reshuffle machines and/or IT architectures.

In tyre industry the “production recipes management” is a key task: to manage multigeneration machines and tyres portfolio range is not easy at all, because of software and hardware change in technology, programming languages and process cycle flows due to lean manufacturing, quality criteria, tyre design innovation etc. Consequently, we introduced an agnostic approach in order to handle evolutions and not necessarily revolutions.

The tyre recipes management becomes easier and multigeneration compatible, so that the technology evolution can be smooth and more oriented to capital expenditure savings and operational expenditure based on real time needs and market scenarios.

The advanced synoptics approach was also part of the human cognitive flow, by which is possible to get what you see, like at shopfloor level, by using an intuitive and more productive working flow: to get access to information by depending the User’s role, skillset and daily job duties, but not spreading efforts to data collection or time-consuming datasheet usage.

A more productive approach can be achieved when the information comes into the most appropriate format, it is not misleading, it is updated and ready to be used at the proper time and mode. The Marangoni Machinery approach is not only around automation, mechatronics and tyre building tooling but mostly a User’s experience design-oriented process to drive a sustainable evolution through technologies and lean process implementation. (TT)

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MAXAM Tire has further expanded its off‑the‑road tyre portfolio by adding a new 45/65R45 size to the MS406 E4/L4 series. This larger variant is specifically engineered for heavy loader applications, offering operators an additional high‑performance solution that prioritises strength, longevity and cost efficiency over the long term.

The tyre’s deep E4/L4 tread pattern is designed to deliver strong traction while resisting wear and cuts, even in severe working conditions. This aggressive yet durable design helps loader fleets boost productivity, as the tyre maintains grip and reduces downtime. Over its service life, users can expect a lower cost per operating hour.

To withstand harsh job sites, the MS406 incorporates a thick undertread that provides enhanced puncture protection. Its robust casing not only endures heavy use but also supports excellent retreadability, further extending the tyre’s usable life and improving overall return on investment. A wide, flat footprint contributes to superior stability, ensuring dependable performance and operator confidence when the vehicle is under substantial loads.

With this new size addition, MAXAM Tire continues to strengthen its off‑the‑road product line, giving customers another valuable option that balances durability, traction and long‑term operating efficiency in demanding loader environments.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire North America, said, “With the addition of the 45/54R45 size, we’re continuing to respond directly to market needs while expanding access to a proven loader tyre. Our focus is always on delivering market-leading value and tyres that perform in real-world conditions while helping customers control operating costs.”

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Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the FIA World Rally Championship, will face the demanding Croatia Rally from 9 to 12 April 2026. This event marks round four of the season and takes place in and around the port city of Rijeka. Among the most gruelling rallies on the calendar, it will feature both the Ventus Z215, engineered for precise dry handling and cornering stability, and the Ventus Z210, designed to deliver superior traction and rapid water evacuation in wet and unpredictable conditions.

The 2026 route spans roughly 300.28 kilometres across 20 special stages, with the service park relocated to the historic Grobnik Circuit. The course covers four counties, including shakedown stages on the island of Krk and technical tests through the Lika-Senj highlands. Drivers must contend with extreme grip variations along the Adriatic coast, from abrasive volcanic tarmac in the mountains to smoother, dustier sections near the sea, the latter becoming dangerously slick with even light rain.

Throughout the event, Hankook will operate its Brand World marketing booth inside the service park, reinforcing its unified global premium image. The booth will offer interactive experiences such as a motorsports history zone, racing simulator, tyre fitting activities, merchandise sales and a photo zone, giving fans an immersive brand encounter. Meanwhile, intense competition is expected: while Toyota GAZOO Racing has a strong history in Croatia, both Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team and M-Sport Ford World Rally Team aim to exploit the new coastal terrain to challenge for the podium.

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited has earned a total of 23 CSR-DIW awards, demonstrating its longstanding commitment to operating with ongoing responsibility towards society, local communities and the environment. In 2025, the Department of Industrial Works honoured the company under the CSR DIW to MIND for Sustainability programme, which recognises industrial factories that enhance their social and community responsibility for sustainable coexistence.

Among these accolades, five facilities received the CSR DIW Award for maintaining these high standards continuously for a decade, while another 18 facilities received the CSR DIW Continuous Award for consistently implementing responsible practices, collectively celebrating industrial organisations that serve as models for industry growing in harmony with communities under the principle of good industry coexisting sustainably.

These achievements reflect how the Sri Trang Group balances economic, social and environmental priorities, allowing the industrial sector to work alongside communities effectively and advancing Thailand’s rubber industry towards a sustainable green future. The group has steadily carried out community focused and socially responsible initiatives across six key areas, including youth development, arts and local traditions, livelihood and career support, environmental management, workplace health and hygiene as well as disaster relief and assistance for vulnerable groups.

This recognition further underscores Sri Trang Agro Industry’s role as a leading organisation that drives sustainable industrial practices while consistently creating lasting value for society, communities and the environment.

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Bridgestone has announced its participation in the 41st Space Symposium, the largest space conference in United States, taking place in Colorado Springs from 13 to 16 April 2026. The company’s exhibit will be hosted within the Japanese Space Industry pavilion organised by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marking its third consecutive year at the event since 2024. A key focus of Bridgestone’s presence is its ongoing development of lunar rover tyres, a project that embodies the company’s belief that ‘tyres carry life’.

Since 2019, Bridgestone has advanced research on lunar rover tyres and pursued co-creation with international partners to commercialise space mobility technology. In 2024, the company collaborated with Astrobotic Technology, followed by a basic agreement with ispace in 2025. These efforts aim to generate new value in the rapidly evolving space mobility sector.

At the symposium, Bridgestone will demonstrate tyres for small and medium lunar rovers, first unveiled in 2025, by mounting them on a mobility vehicle. Attendees can see and touch the tyres, experiencing their high traversability on simulated lunar challenges like fine sand and rocky ground. Through this showcase, Bridgestone seeks to expand its space business network and foster co-creation opportunities, ultimately supporting safe lunar mobility and humanity’s exploration goals.

The lunar rover tyre project applies Bridgestone’s AirFree technology, an exploratory business under its 2024–2026 Mid Term Business Plan. By refining this technology in the extreme lunar environment, the company aims to eventually bring those innovations back to Earth, enhancing conventional tyres and contributing to broader social value.

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