In a recent interview with Tyre Trends, David Chen, CEO of ARP Technologies, discusses the changing landscape of the tyre manufacturing industry, his company’s technological advantages and plans for global expansion amid geopolitical uncertainties.

INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION

The tyre industry has undergone significant changes recently, with emerging manufacturers rapidly expanding their production capacity. David Chen, CEO of ARP Technologies, observes, “The tyre business has changed so much in the last two years. Much new capacity has been added up by many small tyre companies... when I say small, like outside the top 10 companies.”

Chen clarifies that these companies are ‘non-top 10 tyre companies’ that still make quality products, positioning themselves as serious contenders in the market.

“They’re still making good tyres,” Chen explains. “Not necessarily secondary in quality, but secondary by size.”

When asked about the impact of these changes, Chen seems thoughtful, considering the broader implications before responding. “This is changing the entire industry dynamic. The established players are having to rethink their strategies, and we’re seeing this reflected in the equipment needs of our customers,” he says.

GEOGRAPHICAL SHIFT

A notable trend is the migration of manufacturing centres from Western Europe to Eastern Europe and Asia. “Western Europe has no longer been the hub of tyre manufacturing,” Chen observes. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for equipment suppliers like ARP Technologies.

Despite this migration, Chen maintains that ARP’s European business remains strong due to its established relationships with top global tyre manufacturers. “We have a good record and history with those top tyre companies worldwide. In this industry, history and record means a lot. Experience means a lot,” he explains.

The closure of European manufacturing plants due to rising labour and input costs has reshaped the market landscape. However, Chen sees this as an opportunity for ARP to showcase its value proposition of cost-effective, high-quality equipment with advanced technology.

“When manufacturers feel cost pressures, they’re more open to considering new suppliers who can offer better value. That’s where we come in,” says Chen.

PERCEPTION CHALLENGES

Chen acknowledges that the market perception of Chinese manufacturing presents a challenge. “It’s a people’s mentality. Oh well, it’s coming from China. So it will take longer for them to recognise that they are good products from China,” says Chen.

“We’re not just competing on price,” he insists. “That’s a misconception. We’re competing on technology and quality. I believe our technology is superior to many established players.”

The company has been developing electric curing technology for 6-7 years and has recently sold this innovation to customers. A key advantage of their approach is minimal modification requirements. “Our technology requires minimum modification on existing presses. That’s a big advantage because otherwise you must invest a lot,” explains Chen.

QUALITY AND RECOGNITION

Chen emphasises that while manufacturing curing presses isn’t particularly difficult from a technological standpoint, maintaining consistent quality at scale is the real challenge. “Curing press is not that difficult to manufacture. Technology wise, it’s not rocket science,”  he admits. But, to make hundreds of curing presses at the same high-quality level is not that easy. You have to have a perfect, solid quality system in order to make hundreds of curing presses at the same level, high level of quality.”

ARP Technologies received the Industry Supplier of the Year at Tire Technology Expo 2025. On receiving the Industry Supplier of the Year award, Chen says, “We have no idea why. One of the probably important elements is always remembering what the customer needs and is looking for. Customer value is number one. Many people understand this and know about it. But when you come to implementation and execution, it varies a lot,” explains the ARP CEO.

PRODUCTION CAPACITY AND GROWTH

ARP Technologies currently produces approximately 500 curing presses annually and plans to increase this by about 50 percent in 2025. When asked whether this ambitious target poses a challenge, Chen says, “We already have two factories in China producing curing presses. Of course, there will be challenges along the way, but we believe, with steady efforts and careful planning, we’ll be able to meet the goal.”

The production timeline for each curing press is approximately 5-6 months, representing a significant investment of resources. Despite this, Chen is confident in the company’s ability to scale production to meet increasing demand. “If we go from 750 to 1,000, then we’d need to add some facilities,” he concedes. “But for now, we’re well positioned to meet our growth targets.”

ARP offers a comprehensive range of products, from small motorcycle tyre presses to enormous OTR (off-the-road) equipment. “We do all types of curing press, from two wheels, motorbike, motorcycle tyres, PCR truck to OTR huge tyre... giant curing press,” Chen says.

GLOBAL PRESENCE AND EXPANSION

The company already maintains service centres worldwide, including South America, North America, Europe and India, supporting its turnkey project capabilities. “Turnkey means starting from design until we’ve finished the press and the customers coming in just to cure their tyres. So they don’t need to worry about anything in between,” Chen explains.

“This comprehensive service includes designing, commissioning, installation, execution till operation level and training, giving customers a complete solution rather than just a piece of equipment,” adds Chen.

When discussing potential expansion into Eastern Europe, Chen shares, “We are exploring the possibility of establishing a manufacturing site outside of China. Our main considerations are to be closer to our customers and to reduce unnecessary import tariffs.”

He mentions that the company is particularly interested in the Middle East and Eastern Europe and that the evaluation process is well underway. “Once we have completed all the necessary procedures and formalities, which should be very soon, we will make an official announcement,” he adds.

MARKET CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

When asked about the trend of major tyre manufacturers shifting from mass production to premium tyres, Chen indicates this doesn’t significantly impact ARP’s business model. “For us, it’s indifferent. We do the same quality, same standard, no matter what tyre they’re making on our equipment,” he says.

Similarly, the increasing use of recycled materials in tyre production poses no challenges for ARP’s equipment. “It’s a curing process technology, so it doesn’t affect our machine,” Chen explains.

As for the biggest challenges facing his business, pointed to external factors beyond their control. “It’s the war and uncertainty of political [situation]... I think that’s the most uncertain. Other than we believe most other difficulties can be handled through our continuous efforts.”

Despite the challenges brought by geopolitical uncertainties and evolving market conditions, Chen remains quietly confident in ARP’s technology and product quality. “We believe we are heading in the right direction,” Chen says. “There’s still a lot of work ahead, but with steady effort and the support of our partners and customers, we hope it’s just a matter of time,” states Chen.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Yokohama Europe has appointed Giuseppe La Iacona to a series of senior leadership roles as the company seeks to strengthen its position across the region.

La Iacona joined the business on September 15 and will assume responsibility for supporting growth and organisational consolidation in the European market.

He brings more than 20 years’ experience in the tyre industry, spanning sales, marketing, business development, country management and international customer relations. He has held senior roles across several European markets, developing experience in managing local dynamics while driving cross-border business expansion.

Reporting to Takashi Maki, La Iacona has been appointed General Manager for southern Europe, where he will lead a newly created regional cluster covering Italy and France. The role is intended to improve coordination and operational synergies between the two markets.

He will also serve as Chief Executive of Yokohama Italia, with overall responsibility for the Italian subsidiary, alongside taking on the role of head of international customers. In that capacity, he will oversee the management and development of clients operating across multiple European markets, with the aim of creating a more consistent commercial approach and strengthening collaboration between subsidiaries.

His remit includes improving organisational alignment and fostering closer cooperation between markets and customers as the company expands its European operations.

“I am very pleased to welcome Giuseppe to YOKOHAMA Europe at an important stage in our development,” said Maki. “His extensive international experience, deep knowledge of the tyre industry and ability to work across different markets will be valuable assets as we continue to strengthen our European organisation and pursue sustainable growth.”

La Iacona said: “I am excited to join YOKOHAMA Europe and to contribute to the company’s next phase of growth in Europe. YOKOHAMA has a strong heritage, a distinctive brand and significant opportunities across the European market. I look forward to working closely with our teams, customers and partners across countries to further develop the business and strengthen our presence in the region.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Özka Tyre, a prominent Turkish manufacturer of tyres for agricultural and construction equipment, has reinforced its leadership team as part of a broader push towards global expansion and technological modernisation in production. The company has appointed Mehmet Yüksel as its new Chief Operating Officer, bringing aboard an executive with extensive senior experience from Goodyear’s Luxembourg-based international organisation.

In his new role, Yüksel will oversee functions central to Özka’s production and operational strength. His responsibilities encompass production, quality, research and development, planning, investment and projects, electricity and maintenance, occupational safety and quality management systems, positioning him to steer critical areas of the company’s industrial performance.

Driven by investments and a focus on advancing its manufacturing strength, Özka continuously monitors shifts in the worldwide tire sector, particularly technological progress in Europe, and uses those insights to shape its future production infrastructure. As new investments prepare to elevate its output capacity and technical systems, the firm is simultaneously bolstering its organisational framework to sustain that transformation.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Cabot Corporation has named Steve Delahunt, currently Vice President and Corporate Treasurer, to assume the Chief Financial Officer role on an interim basis starting 1 October 2026. He will hold the position while Cabot continues searching for a permanent finance chief.

The interim appointment follows the previously disclosed leadership transition in which Erica McLaughlin, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Corporate Strategy, will become President and Chief Executive Officer on the same date. McLaughlin succeeds Sean Keohane and will relinquish her CFO duties at that time.

Delahunt brings over three decades of finance and treasury experience, including nine years leading Cabot's investor relations function through January 2026. As Corporate Treasurer, he oversees global treasury operations, capital markets strategy, liquidity management, banking relationships, risk management and pension investments. He has been central to Cabot's capital allocation, financing, investor engagement and strategic growth initiatives, as well as strengthened shareholder relations during his investor relations tenure.

McLaughlin said, “Steve is a highly respected finance leader with deep knowledge of our business, strong relationships across our global organisation and a proven track record of disciplined financial leadership. As we continue executing our strategy and building on our strong financial position, Steve’s experience, judgment and understanding of our business make him exceptionally well suited to lead our finance organisation while the Company conducts its search for our next Chief Financial Officer.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!