The Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd has entered into a share purchase agreement with the Swedish-based Trelleborg AB to acquire all outstanding shares of Trelleborg Wheel Systems Holding AB (TWS), a company engaged in the manufacture and sale of off-highway tyres (OHT) for agricultural and industrial machinery. TWS’s enterprise value is EUR 2,040 million. 

Yokohama Rubber said in a statement that the acquisition is scheduled to be completed in the latter half of 2022. The acquisition’s impact on Yokohama Rubber’s consolidated financial results is currently under examination, it said. 

Yokohama Rubber is currently implementing its Yokohama Transformation 2023 (YX2023) medium-term management plan for fiscal years 2021–2023.  

The TWS acquisition will contribute to the expansion of Yokohama Rubber’s OHT business, which YX2023 has positioned as a future growth driver for the company’s commercial tyre business. The ratio of consumer tyres to commercial tyres in today’s global tyre market is 1:1, but Yokohama Rubber’s tyre business sales are more heavily weighted toward consumer tyres, with a 2:1 ratio versus commercial tyres, the release pointed out. To bring the sales composition of its tyre business more in line with the overall market and secure the business’ stability and earnings growth, one of the key challenges facing Yokohama Rubber’s commercial tyre business is the growth of an OHT business capable of securing stably high earnings. The TWS acquisition will not only help Yokohama Rubber’s tyre business achieve a more optimal sales composition, but it will also strengthen the company’s commercial tyre business in each of the four thematic areas set forth in YX2023—product lineup, cost, service, and DX, the company said. 

TWS sales in fiscal 2021 totalled about YEN 129.0 billion, accounting for about 30 per cent of Trelleborg AB’s consolidated sales. Over the past 10 years, TWS has expanded its sales by 2.6 times and more than tripled EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes). While expanding sales it has sustained stably high profitability, with its EBIT ratio continuously above 10 per cent, the release said. 

Of tyres manufactured and sold by TWS, agricultural tyres account for about 60 per cent and industrial tyres about 20 per cent, with the remainder being tyres for construction machinery and motorcycles. TWS has 14 manufacturing plants in nine countries — seven in Europe (Italy, Latvia, Serbia, Slovenia, and three in the Czech Republic), two in the United States, one in Brazil, and four in Asia (two in China and two in Sri Lanka). About 70 per cent of its sales are in Europe. (TT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Building upon the foundation of their joint venture, UniPyrum, Pyrum Innovations AG and UNITANK Holding GmbH are advancing their collaboration into a concrete implementation phase. A key milestone has been reached with the signing of a high six-figure engineering and consulting agreement between Pyrum and UniPyrum, which also serves as the joint venture's inaugural order. This contract, for which an initial payment has already been made, focuses on the approval process and basic engineering for the partnership's first tyre recycling plant. The selected site is an existing UNITANK tank farm in Emleben, Thuringia, a location chosen for its excellent logistical access and established infrastructure.

This facility in Emleben represents the initial project within a broader vision to develop five to 10 such plants across Germany and Europe. The UniPyrum management team has begun its strategic work, securing preliminary funding and holding meetings to coordinate operational steps and site development. A primary focus of this early phase is the systematic identification and evaluation of strategic locations for subsequent projects.

To propel the ambitious pipeline forward, the venture's immediate priorities include selecting sites for the next two German plants and commencing the requisite planning and approval procedures. To manage this expansion effectively, UniPyrum plans to recruit specialised personnel, ensuring that the development of all projects progresses both efficiently and on schedule. This structured approach marks a significant transition from planning to active execution for the partnership.

Pascal Klein, CEO, Pyrum Innovations AG, said, “With the signing of the engineering contract, we are setting a decisive milestone together with UNITANK for the implementation of our first joint venture plant in Europe. The plant in Emleben is another driver of our growth strategy in Germany and lays the foundation for the widespread introduction of our pioneering recycling technology and the supply of system-critical raw materials produced from waste to Europe.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tyres Europe has announced that Brisa and Marangoni have become Full Members of the association, strengthening the European tyre manufacturing industry's collective presence.

Commenting on the development, Livio Magni, President, Tyres Europe, said, “We are pleased to welcome Brisa and Marangoni to Tyres Europe. Their joining reflects the importance of a strong and united industry voice at the European level, particularly at a time of increasing regulatory complexity and transformation for the tyre sector.”

Adam McCarthy, Secretary General, Tyres Europe, said, “The joining of Brisa and Marangoni reinforces the diversity and expertise within Tyres Europe, particularly in retreading and circular economy solutions. We look forward to working closely together on key EU policy files affecting competitiveness, sustainability and innovation in the tyre industry.”

Cenk Koçdor, Chief Growth Officer, Brisa, said, “Being part of such an influential platform that shapes the future of the industry at both European and global levels always makes us happy and proud. Through this full membership, we will contribute to the dialogue on regulations and market dynamics while strengthening our market intelligence to deliver greater value for our customers. With our capabilities, we will help reinforce the strategic role of tyres within a sustainable mobility ecosystem and support the industry’s readiness for the future.”

Vittorio Marangoni, President, Marangoni, said, “We are proud to regain our status as a Full Member and look forward to contributing to the European tyre industry during this challenging period. We will also be happy to share with Tyres Europe our specific expertise in the circular economy of tyres.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Toyo Tires has once again been recognised for its commitment to sustainability through its inclusion in several prominent ESG investment indices. This marks the seventh consecutive year the company has been selected as a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global benchmark for strong environmental, social and governance practices. Furthermore, Toyo Tires continues to be listed on the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index for the sixth year and the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index for the fourth year, both of which highlight leading Japanese companies in ESG performance.

These indices, created by FTSE Russell, employ rigorous evaluation criteria across areas such as climate change, corporate governance, health and safety and anti-corruption. The FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index identifies top ESG performers from the Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX), while the Sector Relative Index provides a sector-neutral view, emphasising companies with relatively strong ESG engagement within their industries and a demonstrated commitment to the low-carbon transition.

This ongoing recognition stems from Toyo Tires’ foundational Sustainability Management Policy, which positions ESG at the core of all corporate activities. The company is dedicated to the integrated advancement of its business objectives and its sustainability initiatives. Through this approach, Toyo Tires strives to foster a sustainable mobility society on a global scale.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Linglong Tire organised the Linglong Winter Experience 2026 in the Austrian Alps in early February. This event gathered nearly 40 European tyre retailers for a comprehensive programme blending professional driving with product immersion. Nestled at 1,030 metres in Salzburger Land, the scenic Stegergut winter driving park provided the ideal terrain. Its challenging handling courses, expansive dynamic areas and circular tracks formed the perfect proving ground.

Guided by expert instructors, participants took the wheel of Toyota GR Yaris and GR Supra models, chosen specifically for their drift capabilities. Embracing the playful spirit of ‘one more drift’, the agenda focused on refining advanced driving techniques and mastering controlled drifts on the icy circuits. Over 120 kilometres of driving allowed every attendee to push their limits, hone vehicle control and indulge a passion for performance driving. Each training car was equipped with the new Linglong Sport Master Winter tyre in size 225/40 R18 92W. This model marks a milestone as the first Linglong tyre developed in Germany and manufactured solely in Europe, following its ‘good’ rating from the respected German publication auto motor und sport last autumn.

Beyond the adrenaline-fuelled driving, the experience included a detailed workshop showcasing Linglong’s latest products and upcoming marketing strategies. The schedule was balanced with traditional Alpine hospitality, featuring a serene horse-drawn sleigh ride through snowy vistas and a hearty meal in a classic mountain hut.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!