Leading tyre building machine maker VMI has ramped up its technical support service globally. It has launched a programme of investments to enhance its consistently high-level technical support. 

VMI said this service is strategically based at three global locations in Yantai (Shandong Province, China), Epe (Netherlands) and Stow (Ohio, US), enabling each expert team to provide the same level of support anywhere.

Based on the Asset Management platform, the VMI service enables engineers to respond fast and expertly when customers raise issues or questions. They can use remote monitoring for fast diagnosis, access the complete corporate knowledge of VMI’s engineering teams globally, and respond with effective solutions. 

Erik Lapré, VMI VP Global Services: “We understand that regardless of the location, customers need fast access to the best advice in support of key business priorities. For example, ensuring that production is not interrupted or avoiding quality issues such as excessive waste. The fastest way to deliver this support is through remote service centres, where customers can be certain of receiving the best insights, know-how and practical advice to resolve issues and get their operations back on track. As these centres all leverage the same infrastructure, information, and processes, our services always stay consistent.”

Proactive, expert support, meet agreed KPIs and always current

The Asset Management platform ensures that support teams operate to best practice levels at all times, with new insights and experiences added to the database at once. Engineer scan collaborates with the customer to look at machine performance levels at the site, down to individual machine and component levels. They can simultaneously review the required service standards, KPIs, and all agreement details. With customer permission, VMI can conduct regular reviews and proactively offer guidance and advice designed to enhance asset performance and extend useful life while improving sustainability and productivity.

Mike Norman, VMI Chief Commercial Officer: “Customers are rightly insistent on high-security assurance levels where data is concerned. VMI’s solution is designed for fast response to customer needs, with all monitoring and data access carried out within strict, pre-agreed limits.”

Breaking new ground in-service support

The Covid pandemic, coupled with the need to manage supply chains under stress at times of economic difficulty, means that the traditional service method, which usually involves calling out an engineer on-site, is simply not fast or agile enough to deliver the support customers rightly demand today. VMI’s remote service support solution ensures expert intervention worldwide, when and where the customer needs it most. This enables most problems to be resolved fast, reducing costs, saving time and proving how valuable a more proactive approach can be.

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Sun Auto Tire & Service, one of the largest independent tyre and automotive service providers in US, has strengthened its position in Alabama by completing two acquisitions that add four service locations to its statewide network. One of the acquired businesses, Bay City Tire & Wheel, enhances the company’s Gulf Coast coverage and joins existing Alabama operations such as Fausak Tires and Vannoy's Tires under a unified platform. Known locally for its dependable and customer-focused approach, Bay City Tire & Wheel has built strong trust with drivers in its community.

The second acquisition includes Black’s Tire & Auto Save, comprising three shops in northeast and central Alabama. This purchase extends Sun Auto’s service footprint into new areas across the state and reinforces its broader strategy of expanding throughout the Southeast. Together, these additions increase Sun Auto’s ability to serve a wider range of customers while deepening its regional presence.

All newly acquired locations will function within the Sun Auto Network, gaining access to centralised systems, enhanced training and operational tools aimed at sustaining long-term success. At the same time, each shop will retain its local identity and continue delivering the personalised service that customers have come to expect. With more than 550 locations nationwide, Sun Auto continues to grow by supporting established local brands and upholding consistent service standards across all markets, helping drivers travel with confidence wherever they go.

Michael Loa, Regional Vice President, said, "We're proud to continue growing in Alabama and serving drivers across the state. By welcoming these respected companies and their teams into the Sun Auto Network, we're strengthening our ability to deliver consistent service standards and help more guests Drive Confidently throughout the Southeast."

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Hankook Tire has entered into a substantial long-term Pay as Nominated Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)with GoldenPeaks Capital, a rapidly expanding independent renewable energy producer in Europe. This strategic partnership marks a major advancement in bolstering renewable energy procurement and supporting the decarbonisation of Hungary's industrial landscape while also representing GoldenPeaks Capital's largest PPA undertaking in the country to date.

The decade-long accord will see GoldenPeaks Capital deliver a total of 430 GWh of electricity, derived from a 30 MWp photovoltaic installation in Hungary. This volume of clean power is sufficient to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 28,700 residents and is projected to result in yearly CO₂ savings of around 10,107 metric tonnes. For Hankook Tire, this initiative is integral to its ongoing global sustainability strategy, directly contributing to its worldwide carbon reduction goals and underscoring its dedication to environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

Recognised internationally for its superior tyres and advanced material innovation, Hankook Tire is progressively broadening its environmental efforts through the adoption of enduring renewable energy procurement strategies across its production sites. Guidance throughout the negotiation and implementation process was provided to Hankook Tire by World Kinect Energy. Concurrently, GoldenPeaks Capital continues to solidify its footprint in Central and Eastern Europe, dedicated to facilitating the sustainability ambitions of major industrial players like Hankook Tire through dependable, scalable and high-quality PPA frameworks.

Daniel Tain, Founder and President, GoldenPeaks Capital, said, “This PPA reflects another milestone within our full commitment to shape Hungary’s clean energy future. It also highlights our capability to deliver innovative and tailored renewable energy solutions, enabling industrial off takers to enhance energy budget certainty while accelerating their transition to green electricity.”

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Hankook Tire concluded Round 2 of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship, Rally Sweden, on 15 February in the Umeå region, where its Winter i*Pike SR10W tyre was put to the ultimate test. As the championship’s sole rally tyre supplier, Hankook equipped all competing crews with this dedicated winter tyre, which features specially engineered ice-rally stud pins. Designed to conquer the most severe icy environments, its asymmetric tread pattern works in tandem with the studs to provide exceptional grip, powerful braking and unwavering high-speed stability on frozen surfaces.

Rally Sweden, first held in 1950, is unique on the calendar as the only event contested entirely on snow and ice. Crews were challenged by 18 special stages covering around 300 kilometres, with competition intensified by speeds reaching up to 200 kmph and rapid temperature fluctuations. These punishing conditions demanded precise car control, reliable tyre traction and steadfast braking performance, making the choice of the Winter i*Pike SR10W critical for success.

Following a fierce contest, Toyota GAZOO Racing’s Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin claimed victory by a margin of 14.3 seconds, securing their second consecutive win in Sweden. Having also finished second in the season opener at Rallye Monte-Carlo, this result propelled the pairing to the top of the championship standings with 60 points.

The WRC now turns its attention to the formidable Safari Rally Kenya, scheduled for 12 to 15 March 2026 near Naivasha. This event is renowned as one of the most gruelling on the circuit, where crews must navigate extreme heat, mud from heavy rainfall and rapidly changing weather.

Hankook’s commitment to the sport extends beyond event supply. The company continues to refine its high-performance rally technology through intensive collaboration with the FIA and major automotive manufacturers, having completed over 2,000 kilometres of real-vehicle testing across eight countries. With its exclusive tyre supply agreement for all WRC classes covering the 2025 to 2027 seasons, Hankook is reinforcing its premium brand identity and solidifying its leadership in motorsport engineering.

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Ecolomondo Corporation, a leading Canadian innovator in sustainable scrap tyre recycling technology, has appointed Craft Capital Management, LLC as its strategic investment banking advisor. This partnership is designed to bolster Ecolomondo’s capital markets strategy, with a focus on financing initiatives and a planned uplisting to the NASDAQ. Securing this position is a key step for the company to obtain the necessary capital for its global expansion.

Eliot Sorella, Ecolomondo’s Executive Chairman, highlighted that Craft Capital’s successful history of providing capital solutions is well-aligned with the company's goal to scale up as a major supplier of recovered carbon black and tyre pyrolysis oil. These materials are produced using Ecolomondo’s proprietary Thermal Decomposition Process. As worldwide demand for circular and sustainable materials grows, this advisory engagement is seen as a vital move to advance the company's market position and support its next growth phase.

Craft Capital, a full-service brokerage firm with over a century of combined financial experience, offers customised investment banking services and connects clients to a broad network of family offices and institutional investors.

Sorella said, “Craft Capital’s proven track record in delivering capital solutions aligns strongly with our strategy to scale as a leading producer of recovered carbon black (rCB) and tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) using Ecolomondo’s proprietary Thermal Decomposition Process (TDP). As global industries accelerate their transition towards circular and sustainable materials, this engagement is an important step in advancing our capital markets strategy and supporting our next phase of growth.”

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