Improving Tyres With Growing Opportunities
- By Sharad Matade & Gaurav Nandi
- January 16, 2025
Bansal Wire Industries, India’s largest stainless steel wire manufacturing company, is charting a dynamic course in the Indian tyre market with innovative solutions aimed at enhancing performance and sustainability. Leveraging its expertise in the automotive sector, the company is introducing advanced steel cords and bead wire products designed to improve tyre efficiency, rolling resistance and fuel economy.
Bansal Wire Industries is optimistic on capitalising on the growth of the Indian tyre market as tyre makers endeavour to offer more efficient rubber wheels. The Delhi-based conglomerate is planning to introduce products within its tyre-industry portfolio that will improve performance. The company already caters to the automobile industry with products spanning outer and inner spring, circlips and washer categories.
Speaking to Tyre Trends on upcoming products, Managing Director Pranav Bansal iterated, “Our modern manufacturing setup enhances product performance; this is particularly in line with current industry trends as we move towards producing super tension and super tensile plus steel cord products. These innovations are expected to improve rolling resistance and reduce tyre weight, both of which contribute to better fuel efficiency and performance. We are actively embracing complete digitalisation and bringing more automation into our processes, helping us increase efficiency and ensure product consistency.”
He added, “We pride ourselves in being the only Indian company manufacturing steel cord for the PCR and TBR sectors with offerings in normal tensile, high tensile and super tensile (ST). Additionally, we have expanded our bead wire manufacturing capabilities with facilities in both South and North India and we continue to explore innovations to serve the evolving needs of the tyre industry.”
Alluding to the reason behind expanding into the tyre industry, he noted, “Our expansion into the tyre industry is driven by the increasing demands of durable, high-quality materials and products, as supported by industry research reports done by Invest India, among others. By diversifying our product portfolio, we aim to meet this demand for efficient materials. By focusing on high-quality steel cords and bead wires, we help improve tyre performance, which in turn enhances vehicle stability, handling and safety, especially under challenging road conditions.”
“The Indian tyre industry has witnessed a significant growth over the past few years, which is driven by an exponential increase in production, domestic sales, exports and overall revenue. An integral growth factor in this is the increase in the ownership of vehicles, which further aids the tyre industry. Additionally, the surge in demand for tyres for trucks and buses, fuelled by expanding mobility and industrialisation, has given a boost to the sector,” he added.
The company caters to over 5,000 customers, offering more than 4,000 different wire products across industries such as automotive, infrastructure and consumer durables. While its primary market is India, the manufacturer also exports products to over 50 countries. The US and Europe are among its largest markets, where it continues to see significant demand for products.
Industry talk
Bansal mentioned that the increasing demand in the automotive industry, domestically, presents tremendous opportunities for the company. “Our high-performing products allow us to constantly evolve. However, challenges like fluctuating raw material prices as well as the changing regulatory requirements could impact. Expansion internationally, specifically in regions like the US and Europe, provides significant opportunities, but geo-political risks and trade regulations could challenge the operations on a global level,” he noted.

Alluding to the strategies implemented by the company to meet the growing demands, he iterated, “In the automotive and tyre industry, collaboration with stakeholders is key to driving innovation and meeting the growing demand for high-quality wire products. We focus on building strong partnerships with manufacturers, suppliers and research institutions to align our solutions with industry needs. Regular engagement through industry forums, trade shows and feedback mechanisms allow us to understand evolving requirements and deliver solutions that enhance performance, safety and sustainability. By participating in joint development projects, sharing technical expertise and staying updated on emerging trends, we ensure our products remain at the forefront of technological advancements.”
Quality and sustainability
The company has manufacturing facilities for bead wire in both South and North India. The production capacity at its South India facility is 50 kilotonnes per year, and at the North India facility, it is 30 kilotonnes per year. Additionally, it has a pilot manufacturing site for steel cords in North India, which currently has a production capacity of 20 kilotonnes per year. The company plans to gradually scale up this capacity to meet the growing demand of the tyre industry.
Commenting on quality measures implemented to derive industry-grade materials, he explained, “We are committed to ensuring the highest product quality and will soon be the only company in India with dedicated in-house research and development wing for both steel cord and bead wire. Our research and development facility spans 12,000 square feet and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to drive innovation. To achieve 'First Time Right' production, we have conducted extensive gap analyses of our processes and implemented all necessary improvements. Additionally, our manufacturing facilities are equipped with cutting-edge machinery, all integrated with a complete digital interface to capture real-time data, ensuring the highest standards in production and quality.”
The company also puts focus in the principles of circularity with several initiatives. “Sustainability is a core focus area for us and we are addressing it in several ways. Our use of renewable energy has reached 70 percent in some of our plants and we are dedicatedly moving towards water positivity in many of our facilities. We are exploring the use of green steel in both our steel cord and bead wire products. To further reduce our environmental impact, we are investing in energy-efficient machinery and continuously seeking ways to minimise emissions across our operations,” said Bansal.
Future course
According to Bansal, the company is anticipating several key trends that will influence its business, including a strong focus on product innovation to enhance performance and quality. “We are committed to show resilience to maintain operational stability in dynamic markets. We work dedicatedly to improve the customer experience through feedback and satisfaction while also fostering diversity and inclusion within our workplace culture. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility remain priorities, alongside embracing technological advances to optimise our operations and product offerings for the future. These trends will guide our growth and ensure we stay ahead in a competitive market,” explained Bansal.
Besides, the company is also focused on significant growth opportunities through the establishment of new facilities and capacity expansions. “Our new manufacturing site in North India for both steel cord and bead wire has a current steel cord capacity of 20 kilotonnes per year with plans to scale it to 200 kilotonnes per year over the next five years. In bead wire, we now have two new state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in South and North India with a combined production capacity of 80 kilotonnes per year, ensuring that we are well positioned to meet the increasing demand from our customers in the coming years,” concluded Bansal.
Pirelli Develops Sustainable Tyres For McLaren W1 Supercar
- By MT Bureau
- November 06, 2025
Italian premium tyre manufacturer Pirelli has equipped the new McLaren W1 supercar with three bespoke tyre fitments made from more than 50 percent bio-based and recycled materials. This figure has been certified by the independent body Bureau Veritas.
Pirelli is the sole tyre supplier for the new model, which features a hybrid powertrain capable of delivering up to 1,275 PS and 1,340 Nm. The W1 has acceleration of zero to 300 kmph in less than 12.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 350 kmph.
The three new tyres – P Zero R, P Zero Trofeo RS and P Zero Winter 2 – were developed in collaboration with McLaren's R&D teams, starting in a virtual environment with driving simulation technology before progressing to physical tests. Testing locations included the Nardo circuit in southern Italy and the Idiada track in Spain.
The fitments cover every aspect of the supercar's use:
- P Zero R: Designed for daily driving.
- P Zero Trofeo RS: A track-biased tyre delivering high performance.
- P Zero Winter 2: Handles colder seasons.
All three tyres for the W1 will be produced at Pirelli’s plant in Settimo Torinese, Italy.
These bespoke P Zero tyres are the first supercar tyres to be made with over 50 percent bio-based and recycled materials. This is part of Pirelli’s industrial plan, which aims to launch the first tyres containing 80 percent of these materials by 2030. The company’s P Zero E, launched in 2023, was the first tyre on the market to contain more than 55 percent bio-based and recycled materials.
A logo identifies all Pirelli products containing at least 50 percent sustainable materials.
Comerio Ercole Shines At K2025, Marks 140th Anniversary And Earns Fifth Consecutive Sustainability Accolade
- By TT News
- November 06, 2025
Italian engineering firm Comerio Ercole S.p.A. said its participation at K2025 in Düsseldorf exceeded expectations, underscoring its reputation as a global leader in technological innovation and sustainable industrial development.
During the week-long plastics and rubber trade fair, Comerio Ercole’s booth became a major hub for international engagement, welcoming delegations from across Europe, Asia and the Americas. The company said visitors expressed “genuine and concrete interest” in its advanced technologies and long-term sustainability vision.
“The quantity and quality of specific requests received from clients and new contacts alike were truly remarkable,” Comerio Ercole said in a statement, adding that many inquiries related to “ambitious, tailor-made projects” that its R&D team has already begun studying.
The company also celebrated its 140th anniversary at the fair on 11 October , with organisers surprising the team with a commemorative cake — a gesture reserved for exhibitors marking milestone anniversaries.
“K2025 was a success: we return home inspired, proud and motivated to continue innovating for a more sustainable and dynamic industrial future,” the company said.
Separately, Comerio Ercole announced it had been recognised for the fifth consecutive year among Italy’s top-performing companies in sustainability, ranking in the Top 75 for Integrated Finance and the Top 100 for Sustainability Excellence 2025.
The Sustainability Award, presented recently at Borsa Italiana in Milan, honours companies that integrate ESG principles into their business strategies while turning environmental and social challenges into opportunities for innovation.
Representing the company at the ceremony were Olga Comerio, Board Member of Comerio 1885 Holding Società Benefit, and Riccardo Comerio, CEO of Comerio Ercole.
“We know there is still much to do, but we are committed every day to improving, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, responsible resource management and innovation for a greener future,” said Riccardo Comerio.
The event, attended by institutional and industry leaders, featured key partners including Kon Group, Elite Euronext Group, Altis Advisory, Università Cattolica, Open-es, Eni, BCG, Google Cloud, RepRisk, Azimut Italia and Forbes Italia.
Founded in 1885 and headquartered in Busto Arsizio, Italy, Comerio Ercole specialises in high-precision engineering solutions for the rubber and plastics industries, combining technological excellence with a strong commitment to sustainable industrial development.
PCBL Chemical Appoints Nilesh Koul As Managing Director
- By TT News
- November 05, 2025
In a significant leadership transition, PCBL Chemical, a part of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, has appointed Nilesh Koul as its Managing Director for a five-year term, effective immediately. The company's Board confirmed this appointment during its meeting on 3 November 2025 subject to final ratification by shareholders through a postal ballot. This change was prompted by the resignation of the former Managing Director, Kaushik Roy, who stepped down for personal reasons, effective from the same date. The Board emphasised that selecting Koul is a strategic step aimed at ensuring leadership continuity and driving the company's future growth.
Koul is an experienced leader with a career spanning 28 years across diverse sectors including metals, oil and gas, construction materials and FMCG. His professional background includes senior executive roles at prominent organisations such as Hindalco Industries, British Petroleum, Castrol India, LafargeHolcim and Pidilite Industries, where he managed international operations. His most recent position was Senior President and CEO of the Aluminium Downstream business at Hindalco Industries. Academically, he is a graduate of G B Pant University and an alumnus of IIM-Ahmedabad, and he also serves on the Board of the Aerospace India Association.
Tire Rack Co-Founder Mike Joines Inducted Into Tire Industry Hall Of Fame
- By TT News
- November 05, 2025
Tire Rack is celebrating the induction of its co-founder and longtime CEO, Mike Joines, into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame. The company credits Joines' automotive passion as the foundational spark for its mission to transform the tyre industry. Under his leadership, Tire Rack pioneered one of the first e-commerce platforms for tyre retailing, fundamentally changing how consumers research and purchase tyres.
The company’s philosophy, established by Joines, centred on empowering customers through comprehensive information rather than just completing a sale. This customer-first approach was built upon providing detailed product reviews, performance testing data, side-by-side comparisons and expert guidance.
Tire Rack also acknowledges that Joines understood the critical role of its team, noting that the ingenuity and integrity of its employees have been the true driving force behind decades of innovation and sustained customer trust. The company honours Joines as an enthusiast, innovator and leader whose devotion remains a source of inspiration.

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