In an interview with Dr Jörn Seevers, CEO of KE FISCHER, the world leader in cord cutting technology, we delve into the company’s strategic growth and its vision for the future. The discussion explores the significance of the recent acquisition of KONŠTRUKTA-TireTech (K-TT) and its impact on KE FISCHER’s position in the market. We also gain insights into the crucial role of cord cutting lines in tyre production, the challenges they address and the opportunities it presents. Seevers sheds light on how KE FISCHER navigates the evolving regulatory environment and outlines the company’s vision for the future of cord cutting lines, emphasising innovation, quality, and environmental sustainability.

How has the business developed after the acquisition of KONŠTRUKTA-TireTech?

The acquisition of KONŠTRUKTA-TireTech, s.r.o. (K-TT) in Slovakia by KE FISCHER marks a significant step towards strategic growth and expansion in the tyre manufacturing industry. KE FISCHER has outlined ambitious plans for leveraging the acquisition to explore organic and inorganic growth opportunities. The collaboration aims to enhance the engineering and production capabilities. Additionally, KE FISCHER is focusing on expanding its service business model, which includes remote maintenance services for global customers.

The acquisition is expected to result in an even broader product range and customer base, combining KE FISCHER’s existing expertise in cutting and splicing technology with K-TT’s high-performance extrusion machinery. We expect this strategic move will foster accelerated growth, enhance customer relations and consolidate its presence in both segments of the tyre manufacturing industry.

In a strategic move to bolster its position within the tyre manufacturing sector, KE FISCHER is expanding its machinery portfolio and developing innovative equipment through a collaborative partnership with K-TT. This synergy will unlock new opportunities for both companies, fostering technological advancements, service offerings and overall industry growth.

Can you elaborate on the importance of cord cutting lines in producing various types of tyres?

Cord cutting lines play a critical role in producing various types of tyres, impacting quality and performance characteristics. The lines are so-called bottle-neck machinery and are essential for keeping the production of the whole tyre plant running.

Cord cutting lines are designed to cut the fabric or steel cord materials that reinforce tyres with high precision. This precision is essential for the tyre’s structural integrity and quality. Accurate cuts lead to efficient material usage, reducing waste and improving the overall cost-effectiveness of the production process.

How rubberised cord material is cut and laid out in the tyre can significantly affect its performance characteristics, including strength, flexibility and wear resistance. For example, the angle at which the rubberised cord material is cut and positioned can influence the tyre’s handling, stability and traction. Precise cord cutting technology optimises these angles, enhancing the tyre’s performance for its intended use, whether for passenger vehicles, trucks, bicycles, agricultural vehicles or performance racing vehicles.

Modern cord cutting lines are often integrated with quality control technologies, such as cameras and sensors, to detect material flaws or errors in the cutting process. This integration helps ensure that only materials that meet strict quality standards are used in tyre production, leading to tyres of superior quality.

Different types of tyres, such as radial versus bias tyres, require different cord arrangements and materials. Radial tyres, for instance, have cords that run perpendicular to the direction of travel, offering improved handling and wear characteristics. Bias tyres have cords that run at an angle to the direction of travel, providing a comfortable ride at lower speeds. Cord cutting lines must be versatile enough to handle different materials such as fabric, steel and others, and cutting specifications to produce a wide range of tyre types.

Automated cord cutting lines in tyre manufacturing enhance production efficiency and consistency and increase machine availability. Automation allows for the rapid processing of materials with minimal human intervention, reducing the likelihood of errors and increasing production speed. This efficiency is critical in meeting the high demand for tyres across various sectors, including automotive, aviation and industrial machinery.

Efficient cord cutting lines also contribute to sustainability efforts in tyre manufacturing. Manufacturers can minimise their environmental footprint by optimising material usage and reducing waste. Additionally, precise cutting reduces the need for excess raw materials, contributing to more sustainable production practices.

In summary, cord cutting lines are essential in tyre manufacturing, influencing everything from the efficient use of materials and production costs to the final product’s performance, quality and environmental impact. These lines’ precision, automation and versatility enable manufacturers to produce tyres that meet diverse requirements, ensuring safety, reliability and performance.

Thanks to operating in a niche, KE FISCHER is in constant contact with tyre manufacturers, and thus, it can be aware quickly of any possible challenge.

Each type of tyre requires a specific material, e.g. fragile material for bicycle tyres, or extremely thick material for OTR tyres.

What specific challenges in the tyre production industry led KE FISCHER to specialise in cord cutting lines?

The first cutting line for the tyre industry was built in the 1970s when a German-based tyre manufacturer asked KE FISCHER to investigate this field because of KE FISCHER’s immense experience and excellent know-how in cutting sheet metal products.

After this first line was successfully put into production, the door was now open for this new field of activity. KE FISCHER gained more expertise in producing cord cutting lines for the tyre production industry, which is a response to several specific challenges and needs within the sector. Integrating cord cutting seamlessly into the tyre manufacturing process improves efficiency and reduces production times. Specialised lines can be designed to fit into existing production lines, enhancing workflow and productivity.

The tyre industry constantly evolves with new materials, designs and specifications. Specialising in cord cutting lines allows KE FISCHER to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, offering solutions that meet the latest industry standards and requirements. Tyre manufacturers require customised solutions to meet specific production needs. A company specialising in cord cutting lines can offer more flexible and tailored solutions than a generalist machinery supplier, addressing unique challenges tyre producers face. The industry faces strict safety and environmental regulations. Specialised cord cutting lines can help manufacturers comply with these regulations by ensuring precise cuts that reduce waste and incorporating features that minimise ecological impact.

KE FISCHER’s focus on developing specialised cord cutting lines reflects a strategic response to these challenges, positioning the company as a critical partner for tyre manufacturers seeking to improve their production processes, enhance product quality and achieve greater operational efficiency.

 Where does the company find more opportunities among the applications – from bicycles and cars to off-the-road and aeroplanes?

KE FISCHER specialises in providing cutting lines for the tyre industry, focusing on various applications from two-wheel vehicles, light vehicles and trucks to OTR tyre manufacturers. The company is a world leader in developing and manufacturing steel and textile cord cutting lines used for all kinds of tyres. This indicates that KE FISCHER is actively involved in supplying equipment essential for the production of tyres across a broad spectrum of vehicle types, including bicycles and cars.

The opportunities for KE FISCHER, among its various applications, depend on the demand for tyres in each sector. Given the company’s focus on providing cutting lines for tyre manufacturers, sectors with high growth in tyre demand would present more opportunities. The automotive and OTR sectors are traditionally large consumers of tyres, driven by both consumer demand and industrial applications. The bicycle sector has also grown, especially with the rise in eco-friendly transportation and urban cycling.

How does KE FISCHER navigate and adapt to changes in the tyre production industry’s regulatory environment?

KE FISCHER adapts to changes in the regulatory environment through several key strategies. KE FISCHER focuses on continuous research and development to ensure its machinery meets the latest environmental and safety standards, following EU safety regulations for all lines delivered. This includes investing in new technologies that reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency and incorporate safer, more sustainable materials.

By working closely with tyre manufacturers, KE FISCHER can understand the specific challenges and requirements these companies face due to regulatory changes. This collaboration helps in designing and modifying equipment that aids manufacturers in meeting new standards. The company’s global footprint allows it to gain insights into trends. This international perspective is of great importance for anticipating future shifts and adapting its offerings accordingly.

These strategies enable KE FISCHER not only to navigate but also to thrive amidst the evolving regulatory landscape of the tyre production industry.

What is KE FISCHER’s vision for the future of cord cutting lines, and how does it plan to stay ahead in the market?

KE FISCHER envisions its future in the cord cutting lines market with a strong focus on customer needs, innovation, quality and environmental sustainability. The company aims to maintain its position as a global leader by continuing to develop cutting-edge machinery that meets the evolving needs of the tyre industry. With a rich history of success and a commitment to research and development, KE FISCHER emphasises the importance of adapting to the continuous improvements in tyre material mixes, which requires staying up-to-date on material behaviour and adjusting cutting lines accordingly. This adaptability ensures the highest quality and efficiency of its products.

KE FISCHER’s strategic plan includes a commitment to development and design, aiming to remain the market leader by continuously developing improved and future-oriented solutions for cord cutting lines. The company leverages its extensive experience and track record of over 900 lines installed globally to enhance its technological leadership and quality standards.

KE FISCHER’s cutting lines and K-TT extrusion lines are equipped with the latest innovative technologies from suppliers and include in-house developed Industry 4.0 solutions.

In summary, KE FISCHER’s vision for the future of cord cutting lines revolves around innovation, quality, sustainability and customer-centric solutions. By continuously improving its technology and services, KE FISCHER’s explicit goal is to stay ahead in the market and meet the dynamic needs of the tyre manufacturing industry.

Pyrum Innovations AG has announced that its Supervisory Board has extended the contract with Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Kai Winkelmann until 31 March 2030 to ensure continuity in the management of the company.

Winkelmann joined the firm in February 2021, and on 1 April 2022, he was initially named to the Executive Board as CFO. He has so far played a major role in obtaining the company's funding during his tenure at Pyrum, including last year's successful capital raise. Winkelmann is in charge of Finance, Compliance and IT in his role on the Executive Board.

Alf Schmidt, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said, “We are pleased about the contract extension of Kai Winkelmann, who has proven his skills and in-depth expertise in the financial sector and at the management level in recent years. Over the last four years, he has made a significant contribution to the development of the necessary administrative structures and to the success of the company, and has promoted its rapid further development. We have confidence in his foresight and are convinced that Winkelmann will continue to play a central role in the successful implementation of the company’s goals in the years to come.”

Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) has been selected once again to continue as a constituent of three internationally renowned environmental, social and governance (ESG) indexes: the MSCI ESG Leaders Indexes, the FTSE4Good Index Series and the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World).

Bridgestone has been a part of the MSCI ESG Leaders Indexes for two years in a row since 2023, the DJSI World for three years in a row since 2022 and the FTSE4Good Index Series for seven years in a row from 2018. Bridgestone's specific Mid Term Business Plan (2024-2026) has been steadily implemented, putting sustainability at the centre of its operations. The company's 2020 vision and Mid-Long Term Business Strategy served as the foundation for the plan.

According to the company statement, “Setting forth the vision of ‘Toward 2050, Bridgestone continues to provide social value and customer value as a sustainable solutions company’, Bridgestone links its business to the realisation of carbon neutrality, a circular economy and nature positivity across the entire value chain. From the ‘produce and sell’ phase and the ‘use’ of its products through to their ‘renewal’ to raw materials, Bridgestone aims to build a foundation for creating sustainability value.”

The following initiatives have contributed to Bridgestone's inclusion in these indexes:

• Contributing to a circular economy and attaining carbon neutrality by using ENLITEN technology to make tyres from recycled and renewable resources, using BCMA and switching to ‘Green & Smart’ manufacturing at Bridgestone locations to increase resource productivity and energy efficiency.
• Encouragement of nature positivity through initiatives for the sustainable use of water resources and natural rubber that are closely related to the commercial operations of the firm, including strengthening assistance for natural rubber smallholders.
• Strengthening of a thorough structure and procedure for human rights due diligence that aims to identify, mitigate, avoid and disclose human rights concerns.
• Visualisation and disclosure of the impact of social contribution actions that are in line with the global goals.

German automotive company and tyre major Continental has been added another feather to its cap with bagging the ‘Tire Manufacturer of the Year’ at this year’s Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence at this year’s Tire Technology Expo.

With this, Continental becomes the only tyre maker to have won two concurrent awards – Tire Manufacturer of the Year and Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing. The company’s Lousado facility in Portugal was also recognised for manufacturing tyres CO2-neutrally since last year.

Edwin Goudswaard, Head of Research & Development, Continental Tires, said, "We are especially proud to be the only manufacturer to be honoured twice at the Tire Technology Awards in an extremely competitive field. Both awards highlight our strong commitment to sustainable tire development and manufacturing. In such a highly competitive market, this success demonstrates our innovative prowess and our ability to actively shape the future of the industry."

Interestingly, this also marks it the fourth time that the German company has bagged the Tire Manufacturer of the Year award. The awards took into consideration tyre makers globally and were evaluated by a jury of 27 independent industry experts.

Going forward, Continental has outlined its ambition to switch all of its tyre plants to fully carbon-neutral production processes by 2040 at the latest.

Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) has appointed Jongseon Ahn and Sanghoon Lee as Executive Directors and new Co-CEOs, following a resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting and Board of Directors meeting held on 26 March.

Ahn will be in charge of Hankook Tire's global innovation, R&D, procurement, production and quality, while Lee will be in charge of global sales and marketing initiatives to strengthen the premium positioning of the company's unified global brand, Hankook, as well as the supply of original equipment (OE) tyres for new vehicles. In addition to the leadership nominations, shareholders approved all eight agenda items at the Annual General Meeting, including the approval of the consolidated financial accounts, partial revisions to the Articles of Incorporation and director appointments.

Ahn has extensive leadership expertise and a proven track record of advancing technology innovation in the operational holding firm, Hankook & Company. He oversaw general management and spearheaded innovative initiatives in 2021 while serving as COO of Hankook & Company and Head of ES (Energy Solution) Business Headquarters. He became the CEO in 2022 and oversaw the company's expansion of premium Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery sales into important international markets, which greatly increased profitability and strengthened the company's platform for long-term success.

Lee's vast worldwide leadership experience serves as the foundation for his profound understanding of marketing and global sales strategy. He has held important regional leadership positions in China and Europe since 2018, during which time he has played a crucial role in bolstering the company's premium brand positioning internationally and continuously promoting creative business performance, both of which have greatly increased revenue. At the conclusion of last year, he was nominated as Hankook Tire's Co-CEO due to his success and leadership.