Tyre testing is not a new concept. In fact, is there any industry that can do without tests? However, what tyre testing does bring into consideration is an umpteen number of factors – everything from the road wear to the certification, the testing spots and, of course, the different types of testing and the very tyres themselves. Discussing these very aspects with Tyre Trends, Ismo Halén, Vice President at BD Testing Inc, spoke about Black Donuts, the subjective and objective views of tyre testing, the convenience of BD Testing having its own indoor testing facility and more. Read on…

The name Black Donut is self-explanatory, making it rather individualistic. A tyre resembles a donut and is black in colour – simplicity at its best. Black Donuts offers a range of solutions for tyre product development and testing, tyre factory construction, plant process design and process development. Therefore, Black Donuts has many business areas, and one of them is service in product development. When it comes to testing, Black Donuts owns 90 percent of another company, BD Testing Inc, which is into tyre testing and high-end customer service. Plus, Black Donuts also happens to be one of BD Testing’s customers.

BD Testing’s customers
When we caught up with Ismo Halén, Vice President at BD Testing Inc, he told us, “Black Donuts designs new tyres and new tyre models or improves existing tyres. That’s why they need testing in order to support the product development. Black Donuts Engineering was founded in 2011, and we were a test team within the company in the beginning. However, we separated in 2012 into an individual company, and now we have separate management and everything else that’s individually ours. We don’t have anyone from Black Donuts working at BD Testing. They are only one of our customers.”

And as customers, they can always decide who tests their tyres. “For instance, Black Donuts can use BD Testing for product development testing because we understand each other. However, the customer can  reach out to other companies to test their tyres as well. For example, when a product is finished, customers usually make homlogation tests somewhere else,” Halén explained.

When it comes to customers/clients, Halén mentioned that it’s not exactly easy to acquire new clients. However, he added, “I’m happy because we already have so many customers that even if somebody doesn’t order anything that others do, we are still in a very good situation.” When turning to his plans on approaching any Asian manufacturers, he responded that while they don’t have any plans for Asia, they would consider going there if there are proving grounds that can be used or rented.

BD Testing’s various focus areas
BD Testing goes beyond this and also issues certification. It has a quality system and is accredited for some R117 tests. “This includes rolling resistance, wet grip, noise measurement and snow performance,” Halén mentioned and continued, “Earlier, we would do wet grips, noise measurements etc. But just one year ago, we started focusing more on winter testing. We now conduct snow and ice tests for the label, which comes under the R117 tests. Additionally, we provide technical service to The Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). RDW will issue many types of approvals for many tyre manufacturers, and we can conduct snow tests for them.”

“Furthermore, in Nordic countries, we use studs in the tyre, which has to be approved. Besides, we make road wear testing for studded tyres, which needs mandatory approval from the Finnish Transport Safety Agency, TRAFI,” Halén further explained.

Making it work
As far as testing and tyres go, BD Testing does both indoor and outdoor testing and is currently focusing on winter testing, winter tyres and studded tyres (conducting only product development tests for summer tyres). However, because the business is open all year, the winter tests are held in ice halls during the summer, Halén shared. As for snow testing, the indoor tests are conducted in Ivalo and Sweden.

However, most big tyre manufacturers conduct the majority of their tests themselves. Yet, that doesn’t stop a company like BD Testing. There are certain factors in testing that tyre manufacturers can’t carry out themselves and thus have to turn to the likes of BD Testing.

“For example, with road wear testing, it isn’t something they can do by themselves,” Halén asserted and added, “There are only five laboratories that can do that, and we are one of them. Similarly, indoor testing and snow testing is something they may not want to do – it’s a long way to travel and they don’t have the capacity to do so, which is where we come in.”

Indoor testing and outdoor testing
Speaking of indoor testing, it is the easier one to conduct over outdoor testing, Halén claimed. But since handling driveway in itself involves the car being built outdoors, there’s no choice over there, he informed.

What’s more, Halén asserted that usually they don’t test the same things indoors and outdoors – the two aren’t competing and are individual. “Their requirements too are different. But as for product development, some indoor testing is needed, like footprint or contact presser, which gives the designers a lot of information,” he enlightened.

BD Testing would, however, like to have its own indoor testing facility where tests can be conducted whenever needed. “Although, as of now, we have to rent for indoor testing, which can sometimes be fully booked,” Halén cited and added, “In fact, we want our own indoor testing facility that we can rent to other customers as well. However, it’s a huge investment and is too big for us at the moment.”

Objective and subjective testing
Another challenge that Halén spoke to us about, besides having an indoor testing facility, was in terms of manpower, where getting testing drivers is a challenge right now. When asked about the thought process behind selecting a testing driver (since the testing can be very subjective, from driver to driver), Halén highlighted that it’s the experience that plays a role. “And then, the drivers drive together and decide what works and what doesn’t. While these drivers do subjective tests, they, of course, also conduct objective tests. However, objective testing is easier, because you only have to know how to make the test,” he added.

Halén further said that with robots and automation, it’s possible that subjective testing will eventually get reduced in the future. “But in my opinion, with subjective driving, if a driver drives with a set of tyres, then we have a huge amount of information,” he pointed out. “Therefore, it’s a very fast way to have lots of information. If you try to have the same information with the help of machines, you’ll need several machines and it takes a long time. And if you need to analyse data, it takes a long time to develop a new methodology.”

A happy customer equals a successful company
While Halén gave us his clear visions in terms of BD Testing and the tyre testing industry as a whole, he also threw light on the company’s preparation for new regulations. “Additionally, we are focusing on what we are currently doing, targeting for higher quality and making our customers happy,” he expounded and added,
“Our strategy for that is based on the quality system we have. We have very close contact with our customers, so we try to understand what they need. Hence, I’m not trying to sell something to somebody if they don’t need it. Thus, I think our customers come to us themselves when they need something. So, ultimately, customer happiness has been our key to success.”

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Tegeta Green Planet was represented by its director, Shalva Akhvlediani, at the 4th IRF Europe & Central Asia Regional Congress & Exhibition, convened by the International Road Federation (IRF Global). The three-day gathering assembled specialists possessing international and regional expertise, alongside public and private sector delegates and researchers, to deliberate on pressing matters concerning road infrastructure development.

Sustainable, Smart and Safe Roads for Sustainable Economic Growth served as the congress's central theme. Akhvlediani took part in a session titled ‘Sustainable Road Infrastructure: Climate Risks, Emissions and Long-Term Efficiency’, which examined methods for reinforcing the resilience and sustainability of road infrastructure across its complete lifecycle, spanning planning, design, construction, maintenance and renewal.

Climate change adaptation, low-carbon materials, circular economy approaches and environmental efficiency featured among the session's principal subjects, together with solutions guaranteeing road infrastructure's durable, long-term performance. Akhvlediani shared Tegeta Green Planet's expertise and outlook, noting that the company's operations accord directly with circular economy principles by converting waste into resources and advancing responsible waste management.

Operating within Extended Producer Responsibility, Tegeta Green Planet occupies a significant role in Georgia's collection and management of specific waste streams, including used tyres, waste oils and automotive batteries. This practical experience illustrates how circular economy principles can be embedded in real business and infrastructure solutions. Congress discussions additionally addressed international experience exchange and practical approaches for strengthening infrastructure resilience, environmental efficiency and long-term durability.

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NEXEN TIRE has strengthened its Australian logistics footprint by opening a new distribution centre in Perth, Western Australia’s largest hub city. The move extends the company’s supply network beyond its existing east-coast bases in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, creating a more comprehensive nationwide distribution system.

The Perth facility is expected to improve product availability for dealers and consumers across Australia. By enhancing local inventory management, NEXEN TIRE aims to shorten logistics lead times and respond more quickly to shifts in market demand, thereby boosting its competitiveness in the fast-growing Australian market.

Beyond logistics, the tyre maker has introduced its Shop Branding programme to Australia, applying a unified visual identity to partner stores through signage, interiors and displays centred on its signature purple. NEXEN TIRE has also continued sports marketing efforts as an official sponsor of A-League club Sydney FC since the 2024/25 season, with the partnership running through the 2026/27 campaign beginning October 16.

Australia remains a strategic market for NEXEN TIRE, with its local subsidiary posting revenue growth of more than 50 percent year-on-year in the first half of this year, more than double the same period in 2024. Combining distribution expansion with locally tailored marketing, the company plans to deepen engagement with Australian consumers, drawing on expertise gained from supplying original equipment tyres to global premium automakers.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, "With the opening of this distribution centre, we have secured a foundation to supply our products more reliably beyond the east coast. We will strengthen both our distribution network and brand marketing to continue expanding our presence in the Australian market."

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TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has entered into a new partnership with Mission Zero, a prominent quality standard within the road fleet sector. The collaboration is designed to help organisations enhance compliance, lower risk and advance shared goals for safer, cleaner and more responsible road transport.

Mission Zero offers a structured framework for fleets pursuing zero collisions, emissions and prohibitions, centred on a comprehensive legal compliance audit alongside recognised industry best practice. Its credentials are formally acknowledged across major infrastructure and transport programmes, including Transport for London’s Work-Related Road Risk requirements, HS2, Sizewell C, National Highways and CLOCS.

TyreSafe already collaborates with several of these bodies, including National Highways and CLOCS, reinforcing tyre safety’s place within broader fleet safety and compliance efforts. Its expertise has likewise gained national recognition, featuring in the government’s developing approach to work-related road safety and the creation of a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter.

Under the partnership, the two organisations will jointly assist fleet operators in recognising how effective tyre management supports safer vehicles, stronger compliance and reduced occupational road risk. Combining expertise, resources and industry engagement, they aim to help organisations build safer fleets, prevent incidents and foster a more sustainable road transport future, reflecting TyreSafe’s ongoing commitment to collaboration across the transport, enforcement and fleet sectors and to keeping tyre safety central to the journey towards Vision Zero.

Nick Caesari, CEO, Mission Zero, said, “Tyre safety is a fundamental part of managing risk within any fleet operation. Mission Zero is focused on helping organisations move beyond compliance and adopt a proactive approach to safety, and working with TyreSafe allows us to strengthen the guidance and support available to operators. Together, we can help businesses understand the important role that safe, well-maintained tyres play in preventing incidents and achieving their wider road safety goals.”

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “We are pleased to partner with Mission Zero and support its ambition to help organisations achieve higher standards across fleet safety. Tyres are one of the most important safety-critical components on any vehicle, yet they are often overlooked as part of wider compliance and risk management strategies. By working with Mission Zero, we can help more operators recognise that effective tyre management is a vital part of achieving safer fleets and reducing work-related road risk.”

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Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) demonstrated its community commitment through volunteer service and financial support at the 77th annual Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo. The Kuraray Foundation of America (KFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, contributed USD 5,000 to the event, funding local youth programmes.

Over the rodeo's nine-day run, eleven KAI employees dedicated more than 350 volunteer hours to health, safety and security operations. Leveraging their professional expertise, these volunteers identified and mitigated onsite risks, staffed the medical tent and worked behind the scenes to ensure a safe, well-organised experience for all attendees.

Beyond safety duties, KAI volunteers supported interactive educational exhibits highlighting the connections between industry, agriculture, and sustainability. These displays allowed families to explore the farm-to-table journey and understand how various industries contribute along the way. The rodeo's fundraising efforts extend far beyond the event itself, supporting college scholarships, livestock show awards, calf scramble programmes and other agricultural education opportunities for local students.

For KFA, the sponsorship represented more than financial backing – it was a chance to invest time, expertise and resources in an organisation dedicated to the Pasadena community throughout the year. KAI expressed gratitude to the rodeo for welcoming its team and recognised volunteers David Solo, Calvin Balch, Alex Berry, Dwight Brunner, Matt Callas, Eric McDaniel, Miguel Pompa, Zachary Reynolds, Chase Stewart, Richard Bass and Tyler Free for their service, reflecting the company's dedication to being an active partner in the communities where its employees live and work.

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