Bansal Dadri Plant

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.

TVS Srichakra Assumes Us Sponsorship And Licence Obligations In Agreement Transfer

TVS Srichakra Assumes Us Sponsorship And Licence Obligations In Agreement Transfer

TVS Srichakra Limited has assumed contractual rights and obligations from its US subsidiary under an agreement with Bristol Motor Speedway LLC.

The Madurai-based company said in a regulatory filing that it executed an assignment and assumption agreement on April 10, 2026 with Super Grip Corporation and Bristol Motor Speedway. Under the arrangement, TVS Srichakra takes over all rights, duties and obligations previously held by Super Grip Corporation under a suite licence agreement dated February 16, 2024 and a sponsorship agreement dated April 5, 2024.

The company will pay USD 1,033,250 in instalments over the remaining term of the agreements. No consideration is payable to Super Grip Corporation for the transfer.

The original terms of the licence and sponsorship agreements remain unchanged, and the arrangements are set to run until December 31, 2028.

TVS Srichakra said the move was intended to enhance the visibility and reach of its brands in global markets.

Super Grip Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, while Bristol Motor Speedway is an unrelated third party. The assignment between TVS Srichakra and Super Grip Corporation qualifies as a related party transaction and has been conducted on an arm’s length basis.

Autopromotec Confirms New Management With Lazzarini As CEO And Gambassi As CSO

Autopromotec Confirms New Management With Lazzarini As CEO And Gambassi As CSO

Autopromotec has officially confirmed a new management structure, appointing Dr Enrica Lazzarini as Chief Executive Officer and Dr Guido Gambassi as Chief Strategy Officer. The decision, confirmed by the Board of Directors, reflects a strategy focused on leadership continuity by promoting experienced and respected internal figures already well established in the automotive equipment and aftermarket sector. The new leadership roles take effect from May 2026.

Under the new organizational chart, Dr Lazzarini was named Secretary General of AICA, the Italian Association of Automotive Equipment Manufacturers, on 5 March 2026. AICA jointly owns the Autopromotec trade fair with AIRP, the Italian Association of Tyre Retreaders. The next edition of the biennial exhibition is scheduled to take place from 26 to 29 May 2027, at the BolognaFiere exhibition centre.

Dr Gambassi now adds the CSO role to his existing responsibilities, which include serving as CEO of EditProm, the publisher of Pneurama magazine, as well as Secretary General of both AIRP and Federpneus, the National Association of Specialist Tyre Retailers. Federpneus operates its training workshop at the Casa Autopromotec headquarters.

The outgoing CEO and former AICA Secretary General, Renzo Servadei, who stepped down for personal reasons, has fully endorsed the new appointments. He has pledged his support for the upcoming 2027 edition to ensure strategic and organisational continuity across all entities responsible for the fair.

Dr Lazzarini said, “I welcome this new challenge with great enthusiasm and am honoured by the trust placed in me. Coordinating the next edition of Autopromotec will undoubtedly be stimulating, and I am certain that with the support of this team, which has been well-established for years, we will organise an event that lives up to the expectations of our exhibitors and visitors. The automotive sector is today increasingly characterised by structural and extremely dynamic innovations, which require the ability to react and analyse. Changes are happening so rapidly that it is now essential and fundamental to see and experience all the innovations first-hand, an opportunity that arises exclusively at events such as those made possible by Autopromotec.”

Dr Gambassi said, “What makes Autopromotec the most specialised trade fair in the sector is its ability to integrate innovations and market trends, thanks to its unique nature. Having a membership base and hosting so many organisations embedded within the fabric of the sector within its premises ensures that Autopromotec continues to be an international benchmark.”

Servadei said, “It is with great emotion and deep gratitude that I step down from both roles I have held to date, confident that the new management team at Autopromotec will carry forward the traditions that make our event unique whilst incorporating all the innovations the future holds. I am delighted that internal staff have been promoted, bringing with them their wealth of connections and relationships, which are our greatest asset: the ability to identify, understand and develop the needs of our exhibitors.”

Goodyear Appoints Travis Parman As Chief Communications Officer

Goodyear Appoints Travis Parman As Chief Communications Officer

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has appointed Travis Parman as its new Chief Communications Officer. Parman will report directly to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart as part of the executive leadership team.

In his new role, Parman is tasked with leading all global communications functions, which encompass media relations, associate communications and corporate reputation management. A key priority will be articulating Goodyear’s ongoing transformation journey and supporting the broader business strategy as the company pursues its vision of becoming number one in tyres and service.

Parman brings extensive experience from senior communications roles at major organisations, including Nissan Motor Corporation, General Motors, Renault Group, Ally Bank and most recently PMI U.S. His background includes guiding companies through complex changes and helping leadership teams connect strategic objectives with operational performance.

Stewart said, "Travis brings deep experience leading communications for complex, global organisations, which will help us engage both internal and external audiences as we share our story – building on the momentum of Goodyear Forward with a continued focus on operational excellence, delivering products that meet customer needs and driving sustainable growth. The communications function is critical to aligning our vision, core values and shared global objectives while building and protecting Goodyear's reputation and market positioning."

Industry Veteran Mick Wallwork Takes CEO Role At Dunlop Aircraft Tyres

Industry Veteran Mick Wallwork Takes CEO Role At Dunlop Aircraft Tyres

Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, a leading independent global designer and manufacturer of high-performance tyres for commercial, military and freighter aircraft, has appointed Michael ‘Mick’ Wallwork as its new Chief Executive Officer. The company operates as a portfolio holding of Liberty Hall Capital Partners.

A seasoned industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in value creation for engineered industrial products, Wallwork joins Dunlop from Renold PLC, where he served as President of Renold Chain. In that role, he led roughly 1,250 employees across seven factories and eight service centres in Europe, China and India. His prior senior leadership positions included tenures at Manuli Hydraulics, Brammer and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, managing multinational operations across Europe, the Americas, Middle East and Asia.

Wallwork holds a Master of Science in Engineering Business Management from Warwick University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering and Design from Loughborough University. His extensive background in both original equipment and aftermarket industrial services positions him to lead Dunlop’s strategic growth across its global markets.

Michael Warren, Partner at Liberty Hall, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mick to Dunlop and look forward to partnering with him as he leads the company through its next phase of growth. Mick brings an extensive track record of developing high-performing teams and driving commercial and operational excellence to successfully build and scale global organisations. His leadership will be critical as Dunlop executes on its strategic value-creation plan, advances its next phase of growth initiatives and continues to deliver the highest-quality products to customers worldwide."

Wallwork said, "I am excited to join Dunlop to build upon its century-long legacy of innovation and excellence as the company enters its next phase of growth. Dunlop's well-established market standing and reputation for quality put us in a strong position to deliver on our strategy. I look forward to partnering with the team to drive operational excellence, invest in our dedicated people and deliver long-term value for our customers and stakeholders worldwide."