Italian industrial machinery manufacturer Comerio Ercole SpA is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year whilst unveiling significant investments in research and development capabilities as the family-owned company seeks to strengthen its position in global polymer processing markets.

The Busto Arsizio-based firm, which exports 94 percent of its production worldwide and employs 250 people across its group operations, has published a commemorative 272-page book documenting its industrial journey from 1885 to 2025. The company was founded by Ercole Comerio, known affectionately as “Ul Balösu”, who launched the enterprise the same year he married Teresa Marcora.

Comerio Ercole will showcase two major technological developments at its main production facility on 6th  June, opening its doors to institutional partners and industry stakeholders. The company is launching a new universal Industry 5.0 manufacturing centre alongside an expanded R&D technology centre featuring advanced experimental equipment.

“Our corporate DNA is based on deep respect for tradition and constant forward-looking drive within an evolutionary process that never stops,” said Riccardo Comerio. “Every day we face challenging and stimulating situations that push us to keep improving.”

The R&D expansion includes two new experimental machines - one for mixing and one for calendaring - equipped with cutting-edge longitudinal stretching units for thin sheets. The facility’s main laboratory operates as a “mini-factory” with a four-roll calendering line that can be reconfigured to three or five rolls depending on process requirements.

The enhanced laboratory features a dual-feeding system accommodating direct extrusion and feeding from mills and internal mixers. A second laboratory houses a calendering line designed for the embossing processes of films and nonwovens, offering up to 100 different patterns for material enhancement.

These investments are designed to bolster the company’s capacity to support customers in developing new polymer and elastomer processing techniques. Comerio Ercole’s R&D team provides project support through patent validation, underlining the firm’s focus on technology and service delivery.

Economic journalist Luciano Landoni, who authored the commemorative book's afterword, highlighted the company’s entrepreneurial example. “The entrepreneurial example of Comerio Ercole is highly motivating, especially for young people, who now more than ever need concrete signals based on competence, passion and vision," he said.

The company operates under the corporate structure of Comerio Ercole SpA a Socio Unico, with a share capital of €2.2 million, and is coordinated by Comerio 1885 Holding Srl SB. Its machinery serves customers in the polymer and rubber processing industries globally, and the firm maintains its headquarters at Via Castellanza 100 in Busto Arsizio, northern Italy.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Finnish tyre manufacturer Nokian Tyres Plc said its chief financial officer Niko Haavisto would leave the company, with the firm moving quickly to appoint an interim replacement whilst searching for a permanent successor.

The Helsinki-listed company announced that Jari Huuhtanen, currently vice president of group business control, would step into the CFO role on an interim basis from June 1st as the recruitment process gets underway.

Nokian Tyres, known for its winter and all-season tyres, provided no details regarding Haavisto's reasons for departure or his future plans.

The announcement comes during a challenging period for the global tyre industry, which has faced supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material costs.

"I want to thank Niko for his contributions to the company. Niko has been a valuable member in the Nokian Tyres team, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours," said Paolo Pompei, president and chief executive of Nokian Tyres.

The company has not disclosed a timeline for appointing Haavisto's permanent replacement.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

French tyre manufacturer partners with Cherry Tyre Park for 3,000 sq ft facility in Indiranagar

Michelin has opened a new service store in Bengaluru, expanding its retail footprint in India's technology capital as demand for premium automotive services rises alongside growing luxury car ownership.

The 3,000 square foot Michelin Tyres & Services Store, located in the upmarket Indiranagar district, has been established through a partnership with Cherry Tyre Park, India's largest tyre retail network. The facility offers precision tyre fitting, wheel balancing and alignment services.

Michelin's expansion comes as Bengaluru experiences increased demand for high-performance mobility solutions, driven by a growing market for premium and luxury vehicles in the city, which serves as India's information technology hub.

"Bengaluru has always been a key market for us with our consumers valuing quality, innovation, and performance. The launch of this new Michelin Tyres & Services store in partnership with Cherry Tyre Park strengthens our commitment to bringing world-class services and a premium experience for our customers in this dynamic and fast-growing market," said Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India.

The store was inaugurated by Siddharth Mehta, Marketing Director at Michelin India, alongside representatives from Cherry Tyre Park.

Cherry Tyre Park has maintained a partnership with Michelin for over 12 years. The collaboration reflects Michelin's strategy to leverage established retail networks whilst expanding its presence in India's southern region.

The French company, which positions itself as a technology leader in the tyre industry, has been tailoring its premium offerings to meet the requirements of luxury and high-performance vehicles as India's automotive market evolves.

Michelin's latest store opening underscores the company's broader commitment to enhancing retail infrastructure and customer service capabilities across key Indian markets, particularly in regions with significant premium vehicle penetration.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

South Korea’s Nexen Tire, a leading tyre manufacturer, has won the 2025 Red Dot Design Award in the Product Design Category.

The judges appreciated the company’s winter tyre – Winguard Sport 3’s performance-driven design that was tailored for extreme winter conditions. The company shared that the Winguard Sport 3 takes inspiration from bird wings, the V-shaped tread pattern enhances traction and steering control on snowy roads. It uses a specially formulated compound that provides flexibility even at low temperatures, maintaining grip and offering reliable performance in harsh winter climates.

The sidewall features dynamic graphics and a snowflake emblem to combine sporty aesthetics with seasonal identity.

The Red Dot Design Award is organised by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany, evaluates entries based on innovation, functionality, durability and overall design excellence. This also marks the second consecutive year for Nexen to win a Red Dot recognition.

The tyre is expected to be launched in Europe during the winter of 2025.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, Nexen Tire, said, “This award is a testament to Nexen Tire’s evolution as a brand that combines technological sophistication with strong design capabilities. We will continue to introduce products that balance driving performance with aesthetic appeal, delivering differentiated brand value in the global market.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and its member companies have thrown their full support behind H.R.3401, a bill aimed at strengthening the American tyre retreading industry. The legislation, reintroduced by U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH), proposes tax credits for fleet purchasers of American-made retreaded commercial tyres, with the goal of bolstering domestic manufacturing, creating jobs and promoting sustainable tyre solutions.

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO of USTMA, said, "Approximately 15 million tyres are retreaded annually in the U.S., including nearly 44 percent of commercial truck tyres in the U.S. and Canada. By providing tax credits to fleet purchasers who buy American-made retreaded commercial tyres, we have a critical opportunity to support domestic manufacturing and strengthen our national economy. This legislation is about more than just tyres – it's about investing in American workers and promoting a sustainable and innovative manufacturing sector."

Tyre retreading is highlighted as a vital component of American remanufacturing, currently employing over 51,000 workers and supporting more than 268,000 jobs across the broader U.S. tyre industry. Retreaded tyres are characterised as a nearly 100 percent domestically produced product, primarily manufactured by small, independent businesses that typically employ between 10 and 60 individuals.

Despite its significance, the American tyre retreading sector has faced a substantial decline, with the number of facilities shrinking from over 3,000 in 1982 to just 500 at present. This decline is attributed, in part, to an increase in imports of foreign new tyres, about 65 percent of which are less likely to be retreaded due to their design and construction. This trend not only undermines efforts to build robust tyre recycling programs but also accelerates the decline of U.S. retreading facilities.

H.R.3401 seeks to revitalise the U.S. retreading industry by making fleet purchases of retreaded commercial tyres more financially appealing. This measure is expected to create high-quality manufacturing jobs, enhance supply chain resilience and bolster local economies.

Furthermore, retreading aligns seamlessly with the U.S. tyre manufacturing industry’s commitment to a circular tyre economy, aiming to reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of commercial trucking. Compared to new tyres, retreaded tyres demand significantly fewer natural resources, contributing to lower carbon emissions and energy conservation. Specifically, retreaded tyres:

• Use 15 gallons less oil and 90 lbs. less material per tyre.
• Save 215 million gallons of oil annually in the U.S. and Canada.
• Reduce CO2 emissions by 24 percent.
• Reduce water consumption by 19 percent.
• Reduce air pollution by 21 percent.
• Keep 1.4 billion pounds of waste out of landfills each year.

"The retreading industry has long been a leader in sustainable manufacturing, but the sharp decline in domestic retreading facilities highlights the need for policy solutions that support this critical sector. We applaud Reps. LaHood and Sykes for their leadership in reintroducing this bill and ensuring that American-made retreaded tyres remain a key pillar of our economy and environment," concluded Luke.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!