140 Years Of Innovation: The Legacy And Future Of Comerio Ercole S.p.A.

140 Years Of Innovation: The Legacy And Future Of Comerio Ercole S.p.A.

In 2025, Comerio Ercole proudly celebrates 140 years of activity – a monumental milestone that reflects not only the strength of its legacy but also the resilience, adaptability and innovative spirit that have shaped its journey since 1885.

From its origins as a manufacturer of machinery and industrial plants, Comerio Ercole has grown into a globally respected industrial group, fully integrated from design to commissioning, operating with precision, quality and commitment to technological advancement. Headquartered in Busto Arsizio and Castellanza, with over 55,000 square metres of operational facilities, Comerio Ercole remains a beacon of excellence in the tyre industry supplying high-performance complete rubber calender lines.

A legacy rooted in excellence

Built on generations of family leadership and continuous investment in knowledge and infrastructure, Comerio Ercole has positioned itself as a pioneer in patented calendering and mixing technologies, with machinery and solutions operating in India and on every continent. The company's ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications underscore its ongoing dedication to quality, sustainability and safety.

Over the decades, Comerio Ercole has cultivated long-term partnerships with key players in industrial innovation. These alliances – both technological and commercial – have enabled the company to develop tailored solutions for its clients, often in the form of turnkey plants, revamping services or customised IoT-enabled systems. The company's R&D activities, supported by two state-of-the-art laboratories, continue to lead the way in circular economy practices and recycling technologies, including processing of recovered rubber materials.

 

Engineering the future: INDUSTRY 5.0

As the industrial world enters the ‘Industry 5.0’ era, Comerio Ercole is embracing the future with agility. A new, dedicated Industry 5.0 department is now operational to support global customers with advanced IoT integration, teleservice and remote maintenance systems.

With a strong emphasis on ESG sustainability, digital transformation and the human-centric approach of Industry 5.0, Comerio Ercole continues to position itself at the cutting edge of modern manufacturing.

 

Circular economy & environmental commitment

In partnership with other Italian companies, Comerio Ercole is driving a new industrial standard for rubber recycling through the LOGOS patented plant – a compact devulcanisation solution that transforms vulcanised rubber waste into 100 percent reusable compounds for tyre and rubber production​. This new project is a clear signal: the company’s future is circular, and sustainability is more than a goal – it’s an operational strategy.

 

People, values, vision

At the heart of Comerio Ercole’s longevity is its people – over 200 highly trained technicians, engineers and professionals – and its values: quality, technology, reliability, competence and service.

Through continuous education and a company-wide ‘Quality Culture’, Comerio Ercole empowers its teams to meet the most demanding global challenges.

 

What’s next?

Comerio Ercole is not just preparing for the future, it’s building it. As it enters this new era, the company is focused on:

  • Scalable IoT & AI solutions for every machine and plant
  • Sustainable production models compliant with international ESG regulation
  • Custom engineering projects
  • Global partnerships to co-create innovation

 

As it looks to the future, Comerio Ercole stands not only as a symbol of Italian industrial heritage but also as a visionary leader shaping the future of manufacturing – a company ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges with the same passion and precision that defined its first 140 years.

Panu Ärölä Returns To Tana Oy In Territory Business Manager Role

Panu Ärölä Returns To Tana Oy In Territory Business Manager Role

Tana Oy has appointed Panu Ärölä as its new Territory Business Manager, a role he will assume on 2 November. In this capacity, he will focus on strengthening customer and distributor relationships across designated markets while contributing to the company’s ongoing expansion within the waste management and recycling sector.

Ärölä returns to Tana after previously serving as Sales Manager, where he developed expertise in distributor network growth. His background includes extensive international experience in sales, marketing, business development and strategic leadership. Most recently, he held the position of Head of Sales and Marketing at Jet-Tekno Oy, overseeing customer relationship development and business growth initiatives.

Gerd Schreier, VP – Sales, Marketing & Channel Development, said, “We are delighted to welcome Panu back to Tana. His industry knowledge, customer focus and experience in international sales make him a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our business and create value for our customers and partners.”

Schill+Seilacher Appoints Stephan Sielaff As Chief Executive

Schill+Seilacher Appoints Stephan Sielaff As Chief Executive

Stephan Sielaff took over as chief executive of the Schill+Seilacher Group on 1st October , as the chemicals group seeks to strengthen links between its businesses and focus more closely on customer needs.

Sielaff brings about 30 years of experience in developing international businesses and organisations. His previous roles include positions at Unilever, Symrise, Archroma, Lenzing AG and SSI SCHÄFER Plastics.

His priorities at Schill+Seilacher include getting closer to customers, encouraging greater knowledge-sharing across the group and making better use of capabilities across its businesses and locations.

“A good product alone is no longer enough. What matters is the value we create for our customers,” says Stephan Sielaff.

The group said it would seek to share knowledge, pursue opportunities jointly and strengthen connections between its locations and business areas.

Sielaff's appointment is intended to support a more integrated approach across the group as it develops its businesses in the years ahead.

Toyo Tire Announces Leadership Changes At Americas, Nitto US Units

Toyo Tire Announces Leadership Changes At Americas, Nitto US Units

Toyo Tire Corporation of Japan (Toyo Tire) has announced executive appointments at Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (TTHA) and Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. (NTU), effective 1 October 2026. Keiko Brockel has become President and Chief Executive Officer at TTHA, while Angelo Naval has beeen promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer at NTU.

Brockel, the first woman and first American to hold the TTHA role, will oversee daily North American business operations. She joined NTU in 2008 and previously served as its President and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operations Officer. Over 18 years at NTU, she has held various executive leadership positions, providing strategic oversight in sales, finance, supply chain and operations, contributing significantly to the company's growth and evolution.

Angelo Naval

Naval, formerly Vice President of Sales and Business Strategy at NTU, will now oversee its business operations. He joined NTU in 2000 and also served as Vice President of Product and Business Strategy. During his 24 years with the company, he has been instrumental in shaping the business, gaining deep understanding and a unique perspective on the Nitto brand, its customers and the markets it serves.

Takashi Shimizu, President & CEO, Toyo Tire Corporation, said, “On behalf of Toyo Tire, I would like to congratulate both Keiko Brockel and Angelo Naval on their well-earned new appointments and thank them for their invaluable contributions to the growth and success of Nitto Tire in the American market.”

ContiTech Appoints Amanda Lacerda As Head Of Communications

ContiTech Appoints Amanda Lacerda As Head Of Communications

ContiTech, the group sector of Continental, has named Amanda Lacerda as its new Head of Communications, with effect from 15 September 2026. In this capacity, she will report directly to Diana Hoppe, who serves as Head of Human Relations and Communications at ContiTech. The appointment places Lacerda at the helm of the organisation’s global communications operations.

In her new position, Lacerda will act as a strategic partner focused on advancing business performance, transformation and brand value. Her responsibilities encompass corporate, executive and brand communications, alongside media and public relations, public affairs, employee communications and reputation management. She is tasked with maintaining a consistent narrative that bolsters ContiTech’s global reputation and aligns with its business priorities and strategic ambitions. Lacerda takes over from Claudia Lademann-Fleger, who has chosen to depart the company for external opportunities.

Lacerda arrives with over two decades of experience in communications, marketing, and public affairs. Her global leadership background includes roles across Brazil, Middle East, Sweden and Germany. Over her career, she has engaged with diverse international markets and industries, assisting organisations in strengthening their brands, managing change and cultivating meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.

Diana Hoppe, Head of Human Relations and Communications, ContiTech, said, “Effective communication plays a key role as ContiTech continues its transformation and prepares for its future as a standalone company. Amanda brings extensive international experience, strategic insight and domain expertise in communications that will help strengthen our brand, enhance our reputation and deepen engagement with employees, customers, partners and communities around the world. As we continue to build a strong and distinctive brand, her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our strategic ambitions and long-term success. I also want to thank Claudia for her many years of dedicated leadership and service to ContiTech, and I wish her every success in the future.”

Lacerda said, “I am excited to join ContiTech at such an important moment in its journey. ContiTech has a strong heritage, talented people and a clear vision for the future. I look forward to working with colleagues around the world to tell our story, support the company’s transformation and help create value through clear, authentic and engaging communications.”