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)

Apollo Tyres Ltd has secured a one-season shirt-sleeve sponsorship agreement with AS Monaco, one of French football's most successful clubs, to increase awareness for its premium Vredestein brand.

This partnership will leverage Ligue 1's ranking as the fifth most watched football league in the world to raise awareness of Vredestein's award-winning products among a large audience in France and abroad. On November 22, AS Monaco's home league game against Brest will have the new sleeve branding for the first time. The Vredestein brand will be heavily promoted at Stade Louis-II for the 2024–2025 season, including on player sleeves and LED screens around the field. Exclusive social media initiatives will further help make the brand prominent, reaching a large and interested audience.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President – Commercial, Europe, Apollo Tyres, said, “This partnership is an exciting opportunity to strengthen Vredestein’s presence in one of our key markets. AS Monaco’s rich history and commitment to excellence mirror our focus on performance and innovation. We look forward to building a successful relationship with the club and celebrating its achievements this season.”

Thibaut Chatelard, Marketing and Revenue Director, AS Monaco, said: “We are delighted to welcome Apollo Tyres and its Vredestein brand to the family of AS Monaco partners. This collaboration makes sense in view of the values we share, such as the constant pursuit of performance and excellence. There’s no doubt that this new support will be precious for the rest of our season, which promises to be thrilling.”

Nexen Tire, a leading global tyre manufacturer, has launched the Nexen N´Blue S tyre, adding to its range of summer tyres and providing drivers with advanced safety, energy efficiency and superior driving stability in wet and dry conditions.

Developed using highly dispersed silica and equipped with an optimised structural design, the Nexen N´Blue S tyre provides reduced road noise and improved driving stability. The tyre features an innovative tread compound, formulated with hydrophilic fillers and microstructure-controlled polymers, and provides lower rolling resistance and exceptional dry and wet grip. The tyre also excelled in test results by demonstrating an 11 percent improvement in wet braking distance compared to its predecessor.

Apart from providing excellent performance, the Nexen  N´Blue S also scores high on the sustainability index. The tyre provides an eco-friendly solution for environmentally conscious drivers by minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Nexen N´Blue S summer tyre is available in 58 sizes, which makes it compatible with different types of vehicles.

Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. is all set to expand its investment project in Binh Duong province of Vietnam, with the phase 3 of expansion commencing in early 2025. This was discussed at a recent meeting between Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC), and Kim Hyun Ho, General Director of Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd.

The meeting was held on 13 November at the Administrative Centre of Binh Duong province, as per an official statement. Apart from the company’s investment till date and the planned investment for phase 3, the two also discussed about the challenges and obstacles regarding procedures and processes to have more land funds to expand the manufacturing plant, along with taking measures to tackle the obstacles. Kim Hyun Ho also conveyed to the PPC Chairman that Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. belongs to South Korea's Kumho Tire Group and is currently ranked 10th in the car tyre manufacturing industry.

The company had invested in a tyre manufacturing plant in My Phuoc 3 Industrial Park in 2007 with a total initial investment of USD 308 million, which was supplemented by another USD 300 million in 2021. This extended the factory scale to six hectares and increased the production capacity to 12.5 million tyres annually. With the expansion in early 2025, the company will raise its total investment to USD 908 million and increase the factory's production capacity to 17 million tyres annually. The expanded capacity is expected to be operational by early 2026.

Yokohama-ATG, a leading manufacturer of all-terrain and off-the-road tyres, has expanded its Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range of forklift tyres with the launch of white, non-marking tyres.

The Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range consists of puncture-proof SDS tyres with extended wear limits designed for high-intensity working shifts and long durability. These are premium, solid rubber tyres developed for tough demands, a long service life and high driving comfort. The addition of white, non-marking tyres is specifically aimed at clean working environments.

Marked by a 3-stage construction process, the forklift tyres feature reduced heat build-up, effective shock absorption and minimised vibrations. The pattern design guarantees a smooth ride and good steerability thanks to its continuous centre lug and circumferential grooves. Furthermore, the flat walls and wide flat profile offer excellent stability when using a forklift for vertical stacking. The tyres are also equipped with anti-slip steel beads for improved rim fitment

In a case study on a CAT 2.5-tonne forklift that was used for handling heavy pallets on asphalt, the Galaxy MFS 101 SDS outshone the competitors with impressive performance. The tyre delivered an approximate 900 working hours before replacement against competitors’ 500 working hours.