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.

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India’s Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) has strengthened its original equipment (OE) business with three senior appointments across France and South America, as the off-highway tyre maker accelerates its 2030 growth strategy.

The company said the hires mark a further step in its plan to expand in priority markets and reinforce its position as a global OE partner through technical collaboration and deeper engagement with equipment manufacturers.

In France, BKT has appointed Rémi Morin as Brand Specification Manager. Morin, who has more than 12 years’ experience with a global OEM and a decade in smart farming, mobility and innovation, will lead the firm’s engagement with tractor dealers. BKT said the role is designed to align product development more closely with the needs of OEMs, dealers and end-users in a market where the company already has a strong aftermarket presence.

In South America, BKT has added Cadu Accica as Head OEM South America and Lincoln Sugimoto as OEM Technical Manager South America.

Accica brings 19 years of experience in the specialty tyre sector across Latin America, with a track record in business development, marketing and sales. He will oversee OE partnerships with a focus on customer proximity and long-term collaboration.

Sugimoto, an engineering and project management specialist with 15 years’ experience in the specialty tyre and material-handling industries, will provide technical support to OEMs in the region and drive innovation and operational efficiency.

“These appointments reflect our bold commitment to scaling our OE business worldwide — with Europe and South America being critical parts of that journey. Remi, Cadu, and Lincoln bring passion, expertise, and a shared belief in performance through partnership and innovation. Their arrival enhances our ability to engage with OEMs at the highest level and deliver long-term value across regions. We are building a team that will transform our strong ambitions into reality at a global level,” said Ludovic Revel, President Global OEM, BKT.

BKT said the latest hires follow recent additions to its OE teams across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The company added that it is now positioned to expand its OE footprint across agricultural, industrial and OTR segments as part of its long-term strategic plan.

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A Legacy of Trust: Abu Dhabi Tyre Company Since 1969.

For over fifty years, Abu Dhabi Tyre Company has been a key player in the UAE's tyre industry. Since 1969, the company has served as the authorised distributor for the globally recognised FIRESTONE brand, specialising in high-quality Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) Tyres.

The company’s slogan—"Whatever you drive, drive a Firestone"—underscores its commitment to quality and service, as well as its focus on the TBR market, where durability is a paramount concern.

New Leadership to Steer Future Growth

Abu Dhabi Tyre Company marks a significant milestone by appointing Dr Amr Anwar as General Manager, effective May 1, 2025. Dr Anwar brings extensive knowledge and a clear vision to the role. He earned a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Master degree - MBA in Business Administration.

With this strong foundation, Dr Anwar is well-positioned to lead the company through its next phase of growth and operational development.

A Commitment to Operational Excellence and Market Presence

Upon assuming leadership, Dr Anwar outlined his strategy to strengthen customer relationships, with a particular focus on the commercial sector.

"I will relentlessly strengthen our operational excellence and expand our market dominance," declared Dr Anwar. "My mission is clear: every commercial fleet in the UAE will turn to Abu Dhabi Tyre Company for critical TBR solutions. We will not just honour the Firestone legacy—we will set new industry standards as indispensable partners."

Looking Ahead

As Abu Dhabi Tyre Company moves forward under new leadership, it remains committed to the principles of quality, service, and customer satisfaction that have defined it since its inception in 1969. The company stated, “We are confident that Dr. Anwar’s strategic leadership will solidify our position as the leading Firestone TBR distributor in the UAE and ensure our continued success for decades to come.”

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Bridgestone India, a leading tyre manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Rajarshi Moitra as its new Managing Director, effective 1 January 2026. He currently serves as the Deputy Managing Director and succeeds Hiroshi Yoshizane, who has served as Managing Director since January 2024 and as Group President, Bridgestone Asia Pacific, India, China (BSAPIC) since May 2025.

Yoshizane will be promoted to Vice-President and Senior Officer of Bridgestone Corporation, effective 1 January 2026. He will continue to serve as BSAPIC Group President, Chairman of the Board of Bridgestone India and Vice Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association.

In these roles, Yoshizane will provide strategic guidance to Bridgestone India and contribute to the growth of the industry.

Rajarshi Moitra, said, “I’m deeply honoured to take on the role of Managing Director and to continue supporting our teams at Bridgestone India, with whom I have worked so closely over the past few years. I look forward to continuing to work in alignment with Bridgestone’s essence and its unchanging mission of ‘Serving Society with Superior Quality’, as we serve our customers, OEM partners and communities at large.”

Hiroshi Yoshizane, said, “Bridgestone India has been an important part of Bridgestone’s growth journey globally, and it has been a privilege to work with such a passionate and capable team driving that progress. Together, we have strengthened our business operations, expanded our market presence, enhanced Safety & Quality, and planted important seeds for the future through initiatives in R&D, social contribution, and sustainability. The team’s strong commitment to serving customers and communities has created a solid foundation for continued success. As I continue my responsibilities as Group President of BSAPIC and Chairman of the Board of Bridgestone India, I look forward to supporting its continued growth under Rajarshi’s capable leadership.”

Moitra has over two decades of experience in Business Strategy, Profit Centre Management, Sales & Marketing and leading transformations. He joined Bridgestone India in 2019 to lead the Consumer business. He expanded his roles to include Consumer & Commercial Business, Solution Business, Logistics & Supply Chain Management. He became Executive Director – Sales & Marketing in June 2024 and Deputy Managing Director in May 2025.

Bridgestone India states that the new leadership structure will help it continue its transformation toward becoming a solutions company, guided by the ‘Bridgestone E8 Commitment.’

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Albourgh Tyres, a brand owned by Heuver Group, has appointed Armando Lima Santos as Sales Manager for Latin America region. This strategic placement is in line with Albourgh Tyres’ global expansion plans after a successful introduction of the first tyre lines for truck and trailer on the European market during the last three years.

Santos brings over 17 years of experience and expertise in truck and OTR tyres and has been associated with major tyre companies like Goodyear, Bridgestone, Tiresur and Prinx Chengshan in the past. In his new role, he will focus on developing the Latin American market, a key step in strengthening Albourgh Tyres’ global presence.

Santos said, “LATAM will be a strategic engine to accelerate Albourgh’s worldwide relevance and reinforce Heuver’s international footprint – with stronger portfolio depth, proximity, scale and customer-centric execution. I’m excited to help build this together – developing long term partnerships in the region and capturing this huge potential with the Heuver family.”

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