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.

As sustainability becomes central to the tyre industry’s evolution, the spotlight is now shifting from just recyclability and circularity to a newer, promising domain – bio-based materials. While global tyre manufacturers invest heavily in de-carbonisation strategies, companies like Shanghai Cheeshine Novel Materials Technology Co., Ltd. are at the forefront of pushing this transition further. With a growing portfolio of innovative, high-performance bio-based solutions, Cheeshine is betting on the increasing demand for greener alternatives. However, as industry adoption remains cautious, especially in replacing petroleum-derived materials, the road to mainstream acceptance of bio-based materials may still require both technological refinement and a stronger market-driven pull.

Sustainability, recyclability, circularity and renewable materials are the main keywords of the current tyre industry. Companies have invested millions in its efforts towards reaching sustainability goals and attaining a circular economy.

But there is also a new buzz word in town – bio-based raw materials. Cheeshine is confident that the tyre industry has developed an interest towards such materials in its quest towards a sustainable future.

Speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends, the company’s Director of Research and Development Centre, Hai Li, said, “Our goal is to support the rubber industry’s sustainable development. That’s why we’ve selected certain bio-based materials, and through modification, enhanced their properties to make them suitable for rubber applications. There’s growing demand for bio-based materials in tyres due to increased environmental awareness and the need for greener alternatives.”

Founded in 2005 in Shanghai, the company delivers different products and services to the rubber industry. Over more than a decade of growth, the company has expanded its footprint with factories and offices in Jiangsu Huai’an, Jiangsu Suzhou, Shandong Linyi, Hong Kong, Chongqing, Tianjin, India and France, serving a global customer base.

It maintains long-term collaboration with leading Chinese universities and in 2016 established the ‘Cheeshine Scholarship’ at the School of Polymer Materials, Qingdao University of Science and Technology to support innovation in research and development.

With strong research and development capabilities and large-scale production capacity, Cheeshine offers six core product categories including low rolling resistance silane, high-temperature resistant cross-linking agents, wet-skid resistant resins, adhesion promoters, special reinforcing fillers and environmentally friendly processing oils.

It currently holds 108 patents and several technologies for which it has filed PCTs. A standout example is its high dispersion precipitated silica by carbonisation, the precipitated silica via CO₂ substitution for sulfuric acid, a process that currently sets it apart as the only manufacturer with this capability.

MANUFACTURING PROWESS

The company focuses on the ‘magic triangle’, which, in the tyre industry, is referred to the balance between three critical performance factors viz-a-viz rolling resistance, wet grip and wear resistance.

Cheeshine Materials manufactures through its three factories in China and ships worldwide. Its research and development hubs are also located within the country. “We’re a research and development-driven company. Our largest development centre is in Suzhou with over 80 team members, most of whom hold master’s or doctoral degrees. We have a total of three R&D centres. Our teams work closely with clients to co-develop customised and high-performance solutions. We have two main production bases – one in Hua’an, Jiangsu Province, and another in Shandong Province,” said Li.

The company registered a turnover of USD 120 million in 2024 and serves a global base of over 500 customers. Within the tyre industry, it majorly works with the global top 10.

Li expressed pride in the company’s innovations and emphasised on the broad portfolio of rubber additives and sustainable materials. Claiming that the company has a strong market presence both in China and internationally, he provided an overview of the core offerings.

Under the category of bio-based products, Li highlighted a rubber processing oil derived from modified cashew nut shell oil, a product he claimed is manufactured in China only by his company. This oil not only improves compatibility with rubber compounds but also contributes to sustainability. Another innovation was the modified natural rubber (epoxidised NR), developed to serve as a bio-based alternative to synthetic SSBR, offering enhanced performance.

In terms of eco-friendly fillers, he pointed to the high-dispersion precipitated silica by carbonisation, which is more environmentally friendly than traditional sulfuric acid-derived silica and also improves dispersion in rubber compounds. He also mentioned a high-performance liquid rubber additive known for its excellent compatibility and market success.

For advanced functional additives, he cited the modified silane coupling agent, designed to replace TESPT and improve rolling resistance and silica dispersion and currently protected under a PCT patent. The company’s multi-functional cross-linking agent enhances durability and strength, while a line of environmentally friendly accelerators was developed to minimise environmental impact during vulcanisation.

The portfolio also includes speciality resins such as a tear-resistant resin for improved tyre durability and several wet skid-resistant resins, including AMS and modified AMS resin, hydrogenated resin, bio-based resin and modified C5/C9 resin, targeted at enhancing grip on wet surfaces. Additionally, the company produces various phenolic and formaldehyde resins for specific performance attributes like heat resistance and bonding, along with anti-reversion agents and silica dispersion agents that support high-performance compound development.

Among the company’s most cutting-edge innovations is a sulfur-free curing agent, an alternative that replaces traditional sulfur in rubber vulcanisation and enhance tyre ageing resistance and wear resistance while significantly boosting overall durability performance. This agent helps reduce tyre cracking over time and extend product life. Li noted that Cheeshine Materials is currently the only company globally manufacturing this agent and has secured a PCT patent for it.

When asked about the source of their materials, Li acknowledged that while many of the older products were petrochemical-based, the company is now strongly shifting towards bio-based alternatives including bio-oils, resins and natural rubber modifications, in alignment with the industry’s evolving sustainability goals.

MARKET TALK

While the company has a kitty of impressive offerings that might cater to the emerging and evolving demands of the tyre industry, replacing traditional materials completely is a matter that is to be taken up in the near future. Of all the raw materials that go into a tyre, replacing synthetic rubber seems to be a very vague concept for many.

Alluding to why the industry will choose modified natural rubber over SSBR, Li explained, “Modified natural rubber offers higher bio-based content, which supports sustainability goals. Through our proprietary modifications, we enhance its ageing, physical and dynamic properties, making it a strong alternative to synthetic rubber.”

Commenting on challenges, Li said, “Our main challenge is the constant push to develop better products and solutions. Innovation is an ongoing effort. We’re continually working to modify bio-based materials like lignin. Many projects are ongoing, focused on improving sustainability and performance. On the cost front, we aim to keep the cost of our new products on par with conventional ones while providing the added value of sustainability.”

Li described that the business is fairly balanced between domestic and international markets. In terms of global expansion, he mentioned that growth is being driven through a network of affiliates and distributors. The company already has team members based in Paris, Copenhagen and Mumbai and are actively engaging with international partners to access new markets.

In response to questions about the shifting dynamics in Europe, particularly with some local plants shutting down, Li noted that the company is continuing to expand its manufacturing capacity in China. He cited the country’s cost advantages and strong pool of research and development talent as key factors. Looking ahead, the company plans to strengthen its presence in Europe by hiring more local technical support staff to better serve the region.

As for establishing a manufacturing plant in Europe, Li shared that there are no immediate plans to do so. However, the company may consider this move in about two or three years, particularly after the full commissioning of the new domestic plant as part of a longer-term strategy to navigate tariffs and support local demand.

When asked about the future vision, Li stated that Cheeshine Materials’ ambition is to become a true pioneer of the unexplored territories in the rubber industry. The focus remains on leading innovation and continually expanding the company’s global influence.

South Africa's tyre industry, a crucial component of the nation's automotive sector, is currently experiencing a dynamic period marked by significant growth, evolving market trends and a unique set of challenges.

A recent report by ResearchAndMarkets stated that South Africa is the largest market in terms of both production and consumption in the African region, which saw approximately 8.1 million new tyres produced locally in 2024, complemented by around 8 million imported tyres. Replacement tyres continue to dominate the market, accounting for over 70 percent of new tyre sales.

The industry is largely shaped by four major local manufacturers: Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Sumitomo (Dunlop). However, these established players are now facing intense competition from an increasing influx of cheaper imported tyres, a trend that presents both consumer choice and significant pressure on local production.

In addition, the South African tyre market is also reshaping with several key trends including growing emphasis on sustainability, focus on biodegradable materials and the development of advanced tyre technologies. Urbanisation and the expansion of the middle class are driving market growth, further fuelled by an increase in vehicle sales and ownership.

Despite this growth, consumers remain highly price-sensitive, contributing to the rise of low-cost imports. The industry is also seeing increased collaboration, particularly in waste tyre management and efforts to promote local manufacturing through industry associations addressing common challenges. Investment in local production is a notable trend and the dominance of replacement tyre sales is expected to continue.

The tyre market offers numerous opportunities, including the development of products specifically tailored for local conditions, expansion of local manufacturing capabilities and significant export potential. There are also franchise opportunities within the retail and fitment centre segments, alongside a growing tyre recycling industry. The rise of electric vehicles is also creating demand for specialised tyres, while skills development, training and upskilling remain crucial for the workforce, including technicians, technologists and sales consultants. The growth of online retail further expands market reach.

The report found that the industry, however, is not without its hurdles. Intense competitive pressure, coupled with broader economic challenges, poses a constant threat. Environmental concerns surrounding tyre waste management are paramount, as is the pervasive issue of illicit trade, including smuggling, illegal imports and counterfeit products. Rising raw material and other input costs, potential impacts of global trade policies and regulatory complexities add to the burden. Furthermore, technical skills shortages and the unsafe use of second-hand tyres, often linked to improper waste tyre processing, remain significant challenges.

Looking ahead, the South African tyre industry is anticipated to experience moderate growth in the medium term. This growth will be primarily driven by increasing vehicle sales, expanding export opportunities and continued investments in technology and infrastructure.

The market outlook suggests that the increasing prevalence of predominantly Chinese and other low-cost tyres will continue to offer more options for consumers, while simultaneously posing a considerable challenge for local manufacturers. Efforts to promote and develop local manufacturing hubs are seen as vital for stimulating local production and attracting further investment. Innovations aimed at improving tyre lifespan and fuel efficiency are also expected to have both positive and negative implications for the industry's future trajectory.

Zenith Steel Group is accelerating its global expansion with a strategic focus on India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The company sees significant opportunities in the subcontinent’s booming automotive sector and infrastructure development boom, positioning itself to capitalise on rising demand for steel cord and tyre manufacturing components.

Chairman and President Dong Caiping leads the company’s international push, combining advanced manufacturing technology with localised market knowledge to establish Zenith’s footprint in India’s competitive industrial landscape. The strategy reflects broader Chinese industrial ambitions to expand beyond domestic markets while navigating complex regulatory environments and established local competition.

India’s steel cord industry, essential for tyre manufacturing, presents both opportunities and challenges as the country’s automotive sector expands rapidly. Zenith’s approach emphasises sustainable development and technological innovation, key differentiators in a market increasingly focused on environmental standards and operational efficiency.

The company’s expansion plans include establishing technology centres and strengthening supply chain infrastructure in India, signalling long-term commitment to the market. Caiping discusses how international expertise merged with local insights creates value, the lessons learned from other global markets and Zenith’s vision for sustainable growth in India’s evolving industrial ecosystem.

Why did Zenith enter the Indian market, and where does it fit in your vision of the world?

Zenith entered the Indian market because we see great growth potential in the market, a huge consumer base and the increasing demand for infrastructure development. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India has a broad market prospect for the tyre and related industries. The Indian market is an important growth engine that helps Zenith achieve its strategic goals of global expansion and market share enhancement.

Along with being an integrated wire rod maker, Zenith brings unique values. What unique preposition Zenith brings to the Indian tyre industry?

Zenith will bring unique value to the Indian tyre industry with its advanced intelligent manufacturing technology, high-quality products, innovative solutions and commitment to sustainable development.

How would you perceive the interplay between international know-how and local knowledge in the creation of value in India?

International experience provides Zenith with advanced management concepts, technical standards and a global perspective, which helps to quickly improve operational efficiency and product quality. Local knowledge, on the other hand, enables Zenith to better understand the unique needs, cultural background and business rules of the Indian market, thus achieving precise positioning and effective communication. The combination of the two can help Zenith create greater value in the Indian market and achieve sustainable development.

In what ways does Zenith’s commitment to the Indian market reflect in its investment and expansion strategy?

Zenith may demonstrate its long-term commitment to the Indian market by establishing a technology centre and strengthening local supply chain construction in India, thereby consolidating its position in the Indian market.

What are the prospects in store for the Indian steel cord industry?

With the rapid development of the automotive industry, the continuous growth of tyre market demand and the ongoing progress of infrastructure construction in India, the steel cord industry, as a key raw material supplier for tyre manufacturing, has a broad prospect. It is expected that in the coming years, the steel cord industry in India will maintain stable growth. However, it will also face challenges such as technological innovation and increasing environmental protection requirements, which require enterprises to continuously enhance their competitiveness to adapt to market changes.

What makes you optimistic about Zenith’s long-term success in India?

Zenith’s long-term success in India may be based on its strong brand influence, advanced technological capabilities, in-depth understanding of the Indian market and good cooperative relationships with the local government and enterprises. In addition, the continuous growth potential of the Indian market, Zenith’s own strategic planning and execution capabilities and its emphasis on sustainable development have all laid a solid foundation for its long-term development in India.

What lessons from other markets has Zenith successfully implemented in India?

Zenith has applied experiences accumulated from other markets in areas such as brand building, marketing, customer relationship management, supply chain optimisation and digital transformation to the Indian market.

Where is India positioned in Zenith’s worldwide chain of innovation?

India plays an important role in Zenith’s global innovation chain. On the one hand, the market characteristics and needs of India provide Zenith with inspiration and motivation for innovation, driving the company to innovate locally in products, technology and services. On the other hand, India’s talent resources and the continuously developing technological environment also support Zenith’s global innovation, enabling it to better integrate global resources and enhance its overall innovation capabilities.

What is it that you wish to tell potential Indian partners and customers about Zenith’s future vision?

We would like to convey to potential Indian partners and customers Zenith’s determination to develop long-term in the Indian market, as well as its vision to continuously innovate, improve product quality and service levels and provide more valuable solutions to Indian customers. At the same time, we emphasise the concept of mutual growth and win-win cooperation with partners, as well as our commitment to sustainable development, to enhance the confidence of partners and customers and attract more support and cooperation.

Prometeon Tyre Group, a leading global manufacturer of Industrial, Agro and OTR tyres, has announced three key leadership appointments and the creation of a new Global Sales Department. Francesco Antonacci has been named Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Federica Boscolo takes on the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Antonio Melone joins as Chief Manufacturing Officer (CMO). All three executives will report directly to Liang Yuan, the Deputy General Manager.

Francesco Antonacci, who previously served as Prometeon’s CEO for Region Europe for over three and a half years, will lead the newly established Global Sales Department. With a degree in Economics and extensive managerial experience at Pirelli and Prometeon, he will drive the Group’s commercial growth, strengthen relationships with global customers and identify new business opportunities.

Federica Boscolo, a graduate in Diplomatic Science and International Relations, steps into the CHRO role to align HR strategy with the company’s objectives. Beginning her career at Pirelli, she has been with Prometeon since 2018, gaining HR expertise in both Italian and international markets.

Antonio Melone, the newly appointed CMO, will oversee the Group’s industrial operations. He brings decades of manufacturing experience from prominent companies, including Loro Piana, Magneti Marelli, Whirlpool, Indesit and FCA. These strategic appointments reinforce Prometeon’s commitment to growth and operational excellence.