HF GROUP has been selected as the engineering and technology partner for a new research and development innovation centre being developed by Toyo Tires at its tyre manufacturing facility in Inđija.

The project forms part of Toyo Tires’ expansion of its Serbian operations and reflects the company’s strategic focus on strengthening compound research and development capabilities. The new innovation centre will cover an area of approximately 6,000 square metres and is designed to support advanced compound development for high-performance and energy-efficient tyres.

HF GROUP has been involved in the project since 2024, when both companies began working jointly on the first conceptual layout designs through a structured pre-engineering phase. This early-stage collaboration formed part of HF GROUP’s system engineering services, aimed at optimising plant layout, process integration and future scalability.

Under the agreement, HF GROUP will be responsible for the complete engineering, supply and installation of the R&D production line. The facility will be equipped with advanced mixing technology, enabling the development and processing of complex compound formulations aligned with evolving performance and sustainability requirements in the tyre industry.

The innovation centre is scheduled to be commissioned in 2027 and is expected to play a central role in Toyo Tires’ future product development activities in Europe. The project further strengthens HF GROUP’s position as a technology partner for tyre manufacturers investing in next-generation research, process innovation and high-efficiency compound development.

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has announced the appointment of Bill Schafer as Chief Revenue Officer for TBC Wholesale. This leadership change follows the planned retirement of Rodger Smith, who will remain with the organisation until December 2026 to support a seamless handover.

Since joining TBC in March 2024, Schafer has concentrated on expanding the company’s wholesale operations. He brings three decades of experience from Michelin, where he directed business to business sales, distribution and logistics across North America while managing a team of over 600 people. His background positions him well to drive revenue growth in his new role.

Smith, a 45-year veteran sales executive with diverse industry expertise, has been instrumental at TBC since his arrival in 2020. He led strategic efforts such as strengthening the national sales organisation and launching Supply Chain as a Service. His continued presence through late 2026 ensures that his knowledge and initiatives will carry forward under Schafer’s leadership.

Don Byrd, President and Chief Executive Officer, TBC Corporation, said, “Bill and Rodger previously partnered to lead TBC’s wholesale strategy and reinforce TBC’s mission of being the distributor of choice in the markets we serve. Our focus is clear: TBC will continue to drive value-creating solutions for our customers in the mobility and automotive industry through exceptional service, a diverse product portfolio and innovative solutions.”

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Dow Inc. said its chief executive Jim Fitterling will become executive chair of the board from 1 July , 2026, with chief operating officer Karen S Carter appointed as chief executive.

Carter will also join the board on the same date, while Richard Davis will continue as independent lead director.

The company said the changes follow a multi-year succession planning process and are intended to ensure continuity as it advances its strategy as a materials science group.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Jim for his exceptional leadership and continued contributions to Dow,” Davis said. “Jim has led the company through a period of significant transformation while strengthening Dow's strategy, culture and long-term positioning. We are equally pleased to congratulate Karen on her appointment as CEO. She is a disciplined, highly respected leader with a deep understanding of Dow's businesses and customers. This appointment reflects our confidence in her ability to lead Dow forward into its next chapter of growth and value creation for customers, employees and shareholders.”

Fitterling, who has been chief executive since 2018 and chair since 2020, oversaw the company’s separation from DowDuPont and led its repositioning towards higher-growth, consumer-led markets. He also guided the group through broader macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, while advancing its sustainability ambitions and corporate culture.

“Serving as CEO of Dow has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Fitterling said. “Together with our employees and leadership team, we have transformed Dow into a stronger, more focused company with the right strategy, capabilities and culture for the future. I look forward to continuing to support Dow as Executive Chair and working closely with Karen to help ensure continuity and strong execution.”

As executive chair, Fitterling will continue to lead the board, focusing on long-term strategy, governance and external relationships.

Carter, who has spent more than three decades at Dow, currently oversees business and operational performance across the company as chief operating officer. She previously led the packaging and specialty plastics division, the group’s largest operating segment, where she focused on capacity expansion, asset upgrades and operational reliability, alongside efforts linked to circular economy initiatives.

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of CEO and lead Dow into our next chapter,” Carter said. “Dow has extraordinary people, world-class assets and leading positions in the markets we serve. Our focus remains unwavering: delivering reliable and innovative solutions for our customers, and long-term value for our employees and our shareholders, while accelerating our transformation to set a new competitive standard for best-in-class performance. I look forward to continuing my partnership with Jim in his new role as Executive Chair, and to working with the Board and all of Team Dow to advance our strategy and deliver on our priorities.”

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Nokian Tyres plc is expanding its partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to strengthen IT operations and support ongoing transformation.

The companies will focus their expanded partnership on maintaining and developing IT applications to meet Nokian Tyres’ future needs and to increase the efficiency of its IT operations.

TCS has already handled Nokian Tyres’ service desk support, end-user services like device deliveries, and network and data centre operations. Starting June 1, 2026, TCS will also take over maintenance and development of IT applications, as well as on-site support for internal processes.

This change is part of a larger restructuring of Nokian Tyres’ IT organisation to keep up with changing business needs.

“A more extensive partnership with TCS will enable Nokian Tyres to have a globally unified, agile, and efficient operating model that supports business needs. In addition, it creates a sustainable foundation for the increasing adoption of next-generation technologies such as automation, data-driven solutions and artificial intelligence,” said Timmy McLellan, vice-president, IT and processes, and chief information officer at Nokian Tyres.

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JK Tyre & Industries, one of the leading tyre manufacturers in the country, has appointed Mandar V Deo as President – India, effective immediately.

Based in Delhi, Deo will report to the Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Raghupati Singhania, and the Managing Director, Anshuman Singhania. He joins the tyre manufacturer with more than two decades of experience in senior leadership positions, having previously served at Exide Energy Solutions, Cummins India and Cummins Inc.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Pune University, alongside a Master’s degree and a PhD from Pennsylvania State University. He also holds an MBA from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University.

Deo’s appointment comes as JK Tyre continues to expand its global footprint, which currently spans 105 countries and includes 11 manufacturing facilities in India and Mexico with an annual production capacity of 35 million tyres.

The company maintains a focus on technical innovation through its Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence in Mysore and was the first in India to introduce 'Smart Tyre' technology featuring integrated Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). Additionally, JK Tyre has committed to the global RE100 initiative, aiming to transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2050.

Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre, said, “I am confident that Mr. Deo will provide strong and adept leadership and steer JK Tyre on a new growth trajectory.”

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