The launch of the Dr D Banerjee Centre of Excellence at JSS Technical Institutions marks a pivotal step towards transforming India’s rubber and tyre industry. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the centre aims to break longstanding deadlocks, equipping the workforce with advanced skills and driving innovation in polymer science and sustainable rubber technologies. With a focus on supporting MSMEs and addressing emerging challenges, especially those posed by electric vehicles and stricter regulations, the DBCOE seeks to become a national hub for research, training and certification, ultimately positioning India as a leader in the evolving global rubber sector.

The Indian Institute of Rubber (IRI) and JSS Technical Institutions inaugurated the Dr D Banerjee Centre of Excellence (DBCOE) recently at the Raghupati Singhania auditorium at JSS Technical Institutions’ Mysore campus.

The institute will serve as a proactive platform for academic and industrial collaboration for polymer science and rubber technology aiming to bridge different industrial deadlocks within the rubber industry.

The event was attended by JK Tyres and Industries CMD Dr Raghupati Singhania, Mysore District Magistrate Lakshmikanth Reddy (IAS), H.H. Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, IRI Chairman Dr R Mukhopadhyay, IRI Vice Chairman V K Misra and industry veteran P K Mohamed, among others.

Setting the stage for the occasion, Mahaswamiji stated, “This is a remarkable coincidence that JSS Science and Technology is associating with Dr D Banerjee Centre of Excellence to usher in new vistas for innovation in rubber technology, where science meets technology for the benefit of society. The centre is dedicated to focusing on innovation, research and new product development and creating high-performance tyres, thereby contributing to sustainability efforts by developing eco-friendly tyre technologies.”

Drawing on the same lines, Misra went on to say, “This is a dream come true as the decision was taken to establish a Centre of Excellence at the occasion of IRCO RubberCon Conference held at Chennai in the year 2015. It gives all of us an immense sense of pride to be associated with the establishment of this Centre of Excellence. It will provide a unique platform to the rubber and allied industry for skill development, training, technology development etc. in the coming years.”

The centre honours the contribution of Dr Banerjee, a pioneering figure in Indian rubber and tyre technology. The initiative was supported by JSS Mahavidyapeetha, IRI and numerous industry leaders and technologists.

Dr Singhania was recognised at the event not only for his leadership in the tyre industry but also for his commitment to nation-building and youth empowerment.

“I am glad that the Indian Rubber Institute, in association with JSS Mahavidyapeetha and the larger Indian rubber fraternity, has set up this centre in memory of Dr Banerjee, the doyen and father of the Indian rubber industry. It is heartening to know that this Centre of Excellence has been established with a clear and noble vision. In fact, this initiative resonates deeply with our Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Skilled India Mission’,” said Dr Singhania.

He added, “This centre has the potential to play a vital role in realising the vision within the rubber sector. I was delighted to tour the centre and see the comprehensive infrastructure and facilities put in place to fulfil these objectives. I am confident that this centre will soon earn the reputation and recognition it rightly deserves.”

A FULFILMENT CENTRE

According to Dr Singhania, in India’s rapid growth trajectory, institutions like this will play a crucial role in empowering youth with the skills needed to serve this vital sector. Vocational education is a key enabler of employability and plays a transformative role in facilitating a smooth transition of individuals into the industrial workforce.

“I am tempted to share our own experience with industry-academia partnership. We have been successfully running one at IIT Madras for the last 18 years. I believe this kind of close collaboration between industry and academia is something we have been missing in India, and it is indeed a critical step forward,” he stated.

India today stands at a unique juncture with a demographic advantage expected to last for the next 25–30 years. Equipping the population with the right skill sets – both technical and entrepreneurial – opens the opportunity to transform an advantage into a demographic dividend that drives economic growth not just within India but globally.

The employment landscape is evolving rapidly. Business models are being disrupted and new job roles are emerging at an unprecedented pace. The skills and job profiles that were relevant five years ago may no longer be sufficient today. This rapid change demands a dynamic skilling ecosystem – one that is agile, industry-responsive and inclusive.

To meet the future demands of the tyre and rubber industry, such as the increasing use of speciality polymers, advanced materials and the rising adoption of electric vehicles, a technically confident and highly trained workforce is needed.

“This Centre of Excellence can play a vital role not only as a hub for education and hands-on training but also as a platform for testing, research and technology development. Its contribution, particularly to MSMEs in the rubber and allied sectors, will be significant. This centre will evolve into a beacon for the rubber industry, not just in India but across the Asia-Pacific region,” said an optimistic Dr Singhania.

VETERAN’S TALK

Commenting on the occasion, former IRI Chairman P K Mohamed stated that after several years of earnest effort by the officials and members of the IRI, a world-class institute for rubber technology, education, research, testing and skill development has been established.

“Currently, industries recruit students directly from colleges after they complete their BTech degrees. These companies then invest one to two years in training them before assigning them to regular roles. This approach is both expensive and time-consuming. To address this, we propose the introduction of a preparatory course for students, developed jointly by industry and academic institutions, based on a mutually agreed syllabus. Experienced professionals from industry, raw material and equipment suppliers as well as research organisations could be invited to deliver these classes,” said Mohamed.

He added, “We are also in the process of working out an appropriate methodology for funding these programmes. This initiative will significantly benefit industries by enabling them to hire job-ready candidates directly, eliminating the need for extensive post-recruitment training.”

The industry veteran highlighted that forensic analysis of failed products remains a key challenge for small and medium enterprises. To address this, DBCOE has developed comprehensive analytical capabilities and plans to recruit a specialist for failure analysis. This facility will help industries identify root causes of failures and implement corrective actions to ensure continuity.

A material characterisation and wet chemistry lab has been set up to analyse raw materials such as carbon black, rubber chemicals, various rubbers, accelerators, antioxidants and process aids. In-house capability also exists to draft material specifications for future quality control. Plant audits and merit-based approvals can be arranged.

Plans are underway to offer short courses in collaboration with equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Topics will include mixing, extrusion, calendering, tyre building, compounding, engineering, moulding, retreading, footwear, belt technology and latex products. These courses will combine practical and theoretical content, including testing methods and failure analysis. Notably, discussions with HF Mixing Group on mixing technology are progressing well. Additionally, a recognition programme is being developed to honour individuals contributing to different segments.

DEFEATING DEADLOCKS

India’s automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and rising performance expectations. While tyres often dominate the conversation, rubber components account for up to 10 percent of the overall value in an automobile and its role is growing more critical than ever.

As vehicle design evolves, so do the demands on rubber parts in the wake of higher torque, lighter weight, reduced rolling resistance and near-silent operation as can be seen in case of EVs. For manufacturers, especially the MSMEs that make up much of the sector, these shifts present a formidable challenge. Existing designs and materials no longer suffice.

Speaking on the vision of the centre and how it will meet industry deadlocks, Dr Mukhopadhyay said, “The mission is fourfold viz-a-viz upskill the current workforce, offer technical support for regulatory compliance and homologation, enable technology advancement for MSMEs and drive sustainable material innovation in collaboration with raw material suppliers. This centre aims to be more than just an academic institution; it’s envisioned as an ecosystem that fuels India’s rubber sector with skilled talent and cutting-edge know-how.”

At the heart of the initiative lies a simple truth that knowledge alone is no longer enough. According to Dr Mukhopadhyay, India’s tyre and rubber sector needs a convergence of skill and science that demand a confluence of practical expertise and theoretical depth. With an eye on decarbonisation, the centre will also push research into bio-based alternatives for carbon black, synthetic rubber, tackifiers and processing oils. From tyre-to-tyre recycling to steel reuse and low-emission polymers, the effort reflects a broader ambition to modernise the industry not just for EV readiness but for long-term sustainability.

“In a market where regulatory demands are intensifying and global competitiveness is rising, this centre represents a strategic leap. It promises to future-proof India’s rubber industry by training the next generation, empowering MSMEs and leading the shift towards a cleaner, more resilient manufacturing base,” he said.

THE NON-TYRE SECTOR

The centre will primarily focus on the tyre industry but aims to support the wider rubber ecosystem, especially MSMEs producing non-tyre components. While large tyre firms have testing and certification infrastructure, smaller players often lack access to technology, skilled labour and analytical facilities. The centre will bridge this gap through hands-on training, consultancy and development support. It will act as a national hub for tyre technology, BIS certification and sustainability compliance while also helping non-tyre manufacturers enhance technical capabilities.

“This sort of institution has been both our dream and our vision. We’ve worked hard to bring it to life, and I’m heartened to see the industry now stepping up. Of course, execution and funding remain challenges. Nothing happens overnight, but I’m confident that with time and collective effort, we will overcome these hurdles. As a PhD holder in this field, I’ve witnessed the struggles students face, particularly during their research projects. Dealing with limited equipment, recruitment issues and maintenance challenges are plenty,” averred Dr Mukhopadhyay.

HURDLES IN THE WAY

Despite India’s robust tyre and rubber sector, a culture of collaboration remains elusive, especially among tyre companies, which have largely remained conservative and insular in their approach.

Industry veterans have long observed that companies prefer to operate in silos, wary that cooperation might breed competition.

According to Dr Mukhopadhyay, the initiative of collaboration has come in the form of grassroots movements like the Wisdom Club – an informal alliance led by senior industry professionals like himself and Mohamed – who have pooled their knowledge and experience to mentor the next generation and drive development where institutions have fallen short.

“Unlike government-backed Centres of Excellence, which number over 40 yet often lack focused activity, and with only one national body showing limited development momentum, these independent efforts fill a critical gap. Furthermore, there are no large grants, no access to state support and infrastructure must be built slowly, piece by piece – often through deferred payments and personal negotiations. We don’t have capital. Yet, against these odds, progress is being made often over decades.”

While attempts to find institutional partners in Chennai and other cities have met resistance or failed to materialise, the effort continues.

EDUCATIONAL PROWESS

Highlighting the nuances of the educational programmes offered by the centre, IRI Advisor S Vasudeva Rao mentioned, “The centre offers two flagship programmes, namely the Diploma in Rubber Technology for diploma holders and fresh recruits and the Postgraduate Diploma in Rubber Technology for science and engineering graduates. Both combine online theoretical modules (delivered on Sundays) with practical assignments and hands-on crash courses at the Mysuru campus. Final examinations are conducted and evaluated by IIT Kharagpur, lending strong academic credibility.”

Rao also noted that the new training powerhouse is an INR 280 million facility funded entirely through industry donations. It brings in over 40 industry experts to teach domain-specific topics ranging from tyre and conveyor technology to PU foams and latex composites. Curriculum is aligned with real-world applications and transparency is ensured via digital course materials and regular assessments.

The initiative has gained formal endorsement across the tyre industry. Companies like Apollo, Yokohama, BKT and JK Tyre now embed course completion as a pre-condition for employment confirmation, reimbursing 100 percent of the INR 40,000 course fee. While the centre is new, the course dates back to 1995 and over 1,200 professionals have graduated with average annual enrolment now exceeding 250.

The centre represents a rare model of successful industry-academia collaboration in India’s manufacturing sector, combining infrastructure, expertise and funding to systematically upskill the rubber workforce.

While the establishment of the DBCOE represents a significant milestone, the broader challenge lies in overcoming the entrenched conservatism and fragmented nature of India’s tyre and rubber industry.

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Grismer Tire & Auto Service, a tyre and automotive service centre operator backed by CenterOak Partners LLC, has named Chris Blanchette as Chief Executive Officer and Mark Hedstrom as Chief Financial Officer. The announcement marks a significant leadership transition for the portfolio company.

Blanchette arrives with over two decades of senior leadership experience in multi-site consumer services, specialising in operations, strategy and business development. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Service Minds, a residential electrical, plumbing and HVAC services provider. His background also includes serving as Chief Operating Officer of QAS, which operates Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations, along with senior operational positions at Advance Auto Parts, Bridgestone Retail Operations and Best Buy.

Hedstrom brings more than three decades of finance expertise to his new role. He previously held the Chief Financial Officer position at W.S. Connelly & Co., a multi-regional specialty distributor, and has also served as Chief Financial Officer for several private equity-backed consumer and distribution companies.

Eric Holter, Managing Director, CenterOak, said, “Chris Blanchette brings highly relevant leadership experience in the automotive aftermarket. He has led complex, multi-location organisations and understands how to translate operational discipline into sustainable growth. Together, Chris and Mark add important depth to Grismer’s leadership team as the Company pursues expansion in existing and new markets.”

Blanchette said, “Grismer’s 90-year history and the trust it has earned with customers set the Company apart. I am excited to join a business with such a strong legacy and see significant

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The International Rubber Conference (IRC) will return to Japan in November for the first time in a decade, with more than 271 technical presentations and over 117 exhibitors expected to take part.

The event, known as IRC 2026 Aichi, will be hosted by the Society of Rubber Science and Technology, Japan, alongside the Rubber & Elastomer Technical Exhibition in Aichi. It is scheduled to run from 2^nd to 6^th  November, with the exhibition opening a day later and continuing until 6^th  November .

Held at the Aichi International Exhibition Center, also known as Aichi Sky Expo, the venue is located near Chubu Centrair International Airport and can be reached from Nagoya Station in about 28 minutes by train.

The conference programme will feature more than 271 presentations spanning rubber science, technology and industrial applications. Participants include James Busfield of Queen Mary University of London and Nobuyuki Tamura of Bridgestone Corporation, who also chairs the Japan Rubber Manufacturers Association. More than 400 delegates have already registered.

Running alongside the conference, the Rubber & Elastomer Technical Exhibition will host more than 117 exhibitors, ranging from raw material suppliers and machinery manufacturers to tyre makers and testing-equipment providers. The exhibition will be open to visitors free of charge.

The International Rubber Conference, first held in 1966, rotates annually across global host cities. The last event in Japan took place in Kitakyushu in 2016, with subsequent editions held in Haikou, Istanbul and Bangkok.

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Italian tyre major Pirelli has announced a multi-year investment plan worth approximately EUR 1 billion (USD 1.2 billion) to expand its manufacturing facility in Rome, Georgia in the United States. The motion passed by majority vote, with board members Zhang Haitao, Xi Xiaohong and Wang Kun voting against the proposal.

The capital expenditure program, scheduled to begin in 2027 and will go through 2033, aims to expand annual production capacity at the Georgia site to six million tyres and create approximately 1,000 jobs.

The United States represents the largest market for high-value tyres globally, accounting for roughly 40 percent of global volumes. The project will be carried out in two phases without altering Pirelli's financial targets for 2026.

Phase one of the expansion will introduce modular robotised production systems based on Pirelli's Modular Integrated Robotised System technology, scaling annual output to three million tyres starting in 2028.

In phase two, the company will begin construction of an automated production facility to add three million units of annual capacity. The expanded plant will produce connected tyre systems, including Cyber Tyre technology, following market authorisation granted by the US Bureau of Industry and Security under Italy’s 2026 Golden Power Decree.

Alongside the investment decision, the board approved an organisational restructuring resulting in the immediate elimination of the Corporate General Management function. As part of the changes, Corporate General Manager Francesco Tanzi will step down from his executive role, maintaining an employment relationship through 31 December 2026 to facilitate the leadership transition.

Under the terms approved by the board and the Remuneration Committee, Tanzi will receive a severance payment equivalent to 13 months’ remuneration, payable by February 2027, alongside accrued rights under existing short-term and long-term incentive plans. He has agreed to a two-year non-compete covenant covering Pirelli's primary operating regions in exchange for 130 percent of his gross annual salary, paid in eight quarterly instalments. Following the end of his employment, Tanzi will provide advisory services under a two-year consultancy contract with an annual fee of EUR 350,000, plus non-monetary benefits valued at EUR 45,000.

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Bridgestone has announced a European leadership appointment aimed at sharpening customer focus, streamlining engagement across product groups and supporting its ongoing growth plans. Stefano Sanchini will become President, Europe Sales, effective 1 October 2026, leading the company’s European sales organisation across both Consumer and Commercial segments.

The expanded role unites sales activities spanning passenger car, truck and bus, agriculture, off-the-road, motorcycle and original equipment. Sanchini brings over 20 years of international leadership experience in the automotive and tyre sectors, with a career covering Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. Since joining Bridgestone in 2017, he has held several senior positions, including Managing Director of Bridgestone India.

Most recently, as Vice President for Consumer Replacement in Europe, he helped strengthen customer engagement, commercial performance, profitability and regional market growth. Bridgestone said the appointment underscores its commitment to customer relationships, commercial execution and simpler cross-market operations. Sanchini will pursue sustainable growth while developing capabilities and partnerships supporting the company’s long-term European strategy.

Mete Ekin, Group President EMEA, said, "Our customers increasingly operate across multiple product categories and expect a consistent experience wherever they engage with Bridgestone. By bringing our sales activities together under one European structure, we are creating a simpler, more connected organisation that will help us respond faster, collaborate more effectively and continue building strong partnerships with our customers."

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