The unprecedented lockdown imposed in March last year turned the supply chain of companies upside down, and the tyre companies were no exception. However, the intensity of disturbance was relatively high for Yokohama Off-Highway Tires (YOHT), which exports more than 90 percent of its production. According to Padmakumar G, Executive Vice President – SCM at YOHT, unprecedented lockdown led to unprecedented initiatives for YOHT. “Most importantly, we learned the importance of being able to react, adapt and set up crisis management mechanisms to weather situations of uncertainty,” says Padmakumar G.

Q) Was Yokohama Off-Highway Tires (YOHT) ready for the unprecedented lockdown?

Padmakumar G: The whole of 2020 was an extraordinary time when ‘business as usual’ was not an option. From the beginning of the year, it was clear that we were braced for a marathon and not a sprint.

At work, we had a unique period of simultaneous supply and demand shocks. Our plants in India were closed for a couple of weeks. As they (plants) were finally allowed to operate, we faced government-mandated operating restrictions and labour shortages that prevented us from running the plants at total capacity.

On the positive side, our plant in Israel was running at full capacity and continued shipments as planned. All sales and administrative employees at global locations were working from home and were doing their best to be accessible at all times. In North America, our network of national warehouses was open, stocked at historically high inventory levels and operating at full local, regional, and national distribution capacity to ensure continued deliveries to locations.

Our competitive position, market share, brand and diversification of our businesses in products and regions helped us see some all-time highs during these challenging times.

Q) Vendors and customers got panicked because of the uncertainties instilled by the lockdowns. How did you keep their morale and confidence intact in those tough times?

Padmakumar G: Unprecedented lockdown led to unprecedented initiatives for YOHT. The acute restrictions and lockdowns created many urgent situations that required immediate attention in the early days of the pandemic. At YOHT, we believe that no crisis should go to waste.

Adaptability, inventiveness and tenacity of our team paved the way to a ‘recovery mode’, and we started planning for the longer-term proactively. We did not face substantial business and operational disruptions – from mitigating the effects of reduced supply to managing disruptions to logistics suppliers and hurdles in meeting their contractual obligations to customers.

YOHT has an agile team that quickly reprioritised the customers’ requirement and ensured critical supply continuation through our multiple sourcing locations. We closely integrated with suppliers, vendors and customers to have better visibility. Consistent communication and streamlining the complexity helped us keep our commitments while keeping the morale and confidence in the most challenging times.

Q) YOHT is mainly into export of products and imports of raw materials? How did you cope up with the supply-demand situation?

Padmakumar G: Prioritisation of critical supply with effective utilisation of available inventories of finished goods, raw materials, and production capacities were the immediate focus in the lockdown situation. What also helped is that we have a wide base of sourcing raw material from multiple sources. We were able to keep our facility running at full efficiency to meet market requirement. We stepped up all measures to ensure that our customers get our products in the earliest shipments.

Q) ATG is now a part of Yokohama, a global giant in the tyre industry. What changes has Yokohama brought in the supply chain?

Padmakumar G: Yokohama has a strong legacy of quality, and its manufacturing and supply chain is very process-driven. The Kaizen processes and digitalisation of our daily supply chain activities helped us improve our process and culture. 

Q) What did you learn from the pandemic?

Padmakumar G: The importance of supply chain resilience and risk management is more apparent than ever. Most importantly, we learned the importance of being able to react, adapt and set up crisis management mechanisms to weather situations of uncertainty. 

Q) There has always been pressure to reduce cost and improve efficiency by shortening the order-to-delivery period. Could you share a couple of examples highlighting the company’s efforts that reduced the cost and enhanced supply chain efficiency?

 Padmakumar G: To shorten the order to delivery, YOHT has initiated Strategic Inventory build-up through S&CP (Sales & Capacity Planning) and effective cost management through strategic buying of raw materials. We have also increased the manufacturing flexibility to reduce delivery in our business of handling 3500+SKU’s.

Q) What new ideas will the company implement at the Visakhapatnam plant to have better supply chain management?

Padmakumar G: Investment in technology that will gain data insights like MES & digitalisation, improving transparency and considerations on sustainability in the supply chain will be key focus areas of our SCM processes in the Visakhapatnam plant. 

Q) What are the current challenges in the business?

Padmakumar G: Current situation of increased raw material cost, an aggressive demand for containers and increased shipping cost are some of the major challenges in SCM across industries. 

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Falken Tyre Europe GmbH is embarking on a new brand initiative designed to put its all-terrain capabilities to the test in a practical, real-world environment. The Falken Adventure Camp, set to take place in New York State from 28 May to 7 June 2026, will place the Falken WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA tyre at the heart of an immersive driving experience. Participants will navigate a curated route through a diverse range of landscapes, from bustling urban settings to serene forests, gravel paths and remote countryside trails, showcasing the tyre’s adaptability.

The WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA is engineered for drivers whose journeys frequently shift between paved roads and unpaved terrain. This event aims to make that transition tangible, demonstrating the tyre’s competence in both everyday commuting and more rugged off-road conditions. Its selection for the camp is bolstered by a recent industry accolade; in September 2025, the tyre secured first place overall in a prestigious off-road tyre test, outperforming six competing all-terrain models. It was specifically praised for its exceptional performance on loose surfaces, including reliable traction, short braking distances and consistent lateral grip.

The Adventure Camp’s philosophy steers clear of extreme off-road challenges, instead focusing on authentic driving scenarios that highlight the tyre’s versatility. The planned journey is intended to illustrate how modern mobility can harmoniously coexist with nature-focused exploration. Enthusiasts interested in participating can submit their applications through the dedicated campaign website until the end of March 2026.

This initiative represents Falken’s broader strategic shift towards more experiential marketing. By moving beyond traditional product presentations, the company seeks to create memorable encounters where drivers can directly experience product performance. The goal is to make the tyre’s strengths tangible within genuine, relatable driving contexts, fostering a deeper connection between the consumer and the brand.

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) hosted representatives from NOMURA JIMUSHO, INC. at its Kuala Lumpur Secretariat on 12 February 2026. The visit facilitated strategic discussions between ANRPC Secretary-General Dr Suttipong Angthong, his team and the firm’s Yoshiyuki Hosaka and Taichi Nomura.

Deliberations focused on ANRPC’s core strategic objectives, which include boosting productivity and lowering production costs. Other key areas of discussion involved strengthening downstream value addition, creating diversified income sources and tapping into the environmental value of natural rubber. Central to the dialogue was the overarching goal of improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

The exchange highlighted a mutual commitment to advancing sustainable growth and circular economy models within the sector. The meeting underscored the critical role of enhanced partnerships in navigating current industry challenges and capitalising on emerging global opportunities.

The collaborative spirit of the visit reinforced a shared dedication to fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally conscious future for the natural rubber industry.

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Trelleborg Tires is set to introduce a significant performance assurance programme at the upcoming Commodity Classic in San Antonio, scheduled from 25 to 27 February. This new initiative guarantees up to 5,000 hours of certified tread wear for several of its key rear tyre ranges, including the TM1060, TM1000, TM900 and TM800 ProgressiveTraction models. The offer underscores the company’s dedication to providing durable solutions that deliver tangible value, enabling farmers to extend equipment operation, minimise downtime and safeguard their investments under rigorous field conditions.

Access to this guarantee is provided exclusively through the Trelleborg Premium Care Portal. This platform not only facilitates secure registration but also connects customers with expert support and personalised advice aimed at optimizing tyre longevity and performance.

Attendees at Booth #1171 will have the opportunity to explore the company’s latest advancements in agricultural tyres, particularly for high-horsepower tractors. Featured exhibits will include the TM1000 ProgressiveTraction in size VF800/70R38, the TM900 ProgressiveTraction in 710/70R42 and the TM800 PowerFlex in VF650/65R38, which showcases a newly engineered tread pattern for improved roadability and field performance. Additionally, the TM200 ProgressiveTraction for vineyard and orchard applications will be on display in size VF440/65R24.

Each of these products integrates Trelleborg’s patented ProgressiveTraction technology, characterised by a distinctive double-edge lug design. This innovation enhances traction, stability and self-cleaning capabilities, effectively reducing slippage and vibration while boosting fuel efficiency and prolonging tread life. Visitors can also learn about Pressure Field Operation (PFO) technology, which allows tyres to perform optimally at lower inflation pressures in specific conditions without sacrificing load capacity. Through these farmer-centric innovations, Trelleborg continues to reinforce its leadership in the agricultural sector by helping producers achieve greater productivity and operational efficiency over the long term.

Tom Rodgers, Commercial Director, Trelleborg Tires, said, “We know that tyre replacement represents a significant operational cost for farmers. With this 5,000-hour performance guarantee, we stand firmly behind our ProgressiveTraction technology and offer a clear commitment to long-term performance.”

Andrea Masella, Marketing Director Agriculture North America, said, “With every innovation, we design our tyres from the soil up to perform where it matters most — in our customers’ fields. By combining advanced engineering with a 5,000-hour certified performance commitment, we provide farmers with solutions that maximise productivity, protect their investment and support long-term operational success.”

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Magna Tyres has expanded its portfolio with the launch of the LH32, a new tyre engineered specifically for trailer use in long-haul and regional transport operations. Designed to address the rigorous demands of modern logistics, the tyre delivers a balanced combination of durability, consistent performance and safety across diverse road conditions. Its advanced tread pattern is optimised to provide reliable traction and even mileage on both highways and regional routes, supporting safe and efficient travel regardless of the terrain.

The LH32 features a robust radial casing constructed with a specially formulated compound, which enhances load-bearing capacity and contributes to improved fuel efficiency. This structural integrity not only promotes longer tyre life but also boosts driver confidence through stable handling. Importantly, the tyre holds full ECE approval, confirming its compliance with strict European safety and performance standards. By integrating these technical attributes, the LH32 enables transport companies to elevate operational efficiency while maintaining high safety benchmarks, making it a practical solution for fleets aiming to optimise performance without compromise.

Key specifications of the Magna LH32

Application: Trailer
Segment: Long haul / Regional
Size: 385/65R22.5
PR: 24
Load/Speed Index: 164K
Fuel Efficiency Class: B
Wet Grip Class: B
Markings: 3PMSF & M+S
Noise Level: 73 dB, Class B

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