The global tyre industry is undergoing significant change. Geopolitical disruptions, increased sustainability requirements, supply chain shifts and the move to digital manufacturing are transforming an industry once focused on scale and efficiency. Additionally, electric mobility, smart factories and material innovation are redefining competition.

In this context, the Global Tyre & Rubber Conference (GTRC) 2026, organised by Tyre Trends and scheduled for 17–18 June in Chennai, is especially timely. More than a typical industry gathering, the conference serves as a strategic forum for business leaders, machinery suppliers, material scientists and technology specialists to shape the future of tyre manufacturing.

The timing is significant.

India’s tyre sector is rapidly evolving, driven by domestic demand, export growth and investment in advanced manufacturing. Chennai, a key hub for automotive and tyre production, is a fitting location for a conference focused on industrial transformation.

The conference will begin with an inaugural session that sets the context for these industry changes.

The opening address will be delivered by Mike Norman, Chief Commercial Officer of VMI, a leading supplier of technology for the manufacture of superior radial passenger vehicle, light truck, all-steel truck and bus tyres. As a leader in tyre manufacturing technology, Norman offers valuable insight into global manufacturing trends, highlighting the increasing importance of advanced machinery and digital systems for competitiveness.

A strategic dimension will be added by Arun Mammen, Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) and Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MRF, who will deliver the key address. Few voices are better placed to contextualise the present state of the Indian tyre industry. As manufacturers navigate shifting regulatory environments, sustainability expectations and global competitive pressures, Mammen’s perspective is expected to extend beyond immediate market conditions towards the structural evolution of the sector itself.

The ceremonial lighting of the lamp will formally inaugurate proceedings, but the conference’s real momentum begins with its first major business session.

The opening business session features a CXO panel of senior executives whose organisations have significant influence in manufacturing, technology and sustainability.

Moderated by Latha Chembrakalam, CEO of AutoAscend, the panel includes Anil Gupta (COO, Yokohama Off-Highway Tires), Arun Mammen, Mike Normann and Ian Wilson (Managing Director and Co-CEO, HF Group). This session is structured to address the key commercial challenges facing the industry, rather than serving as a routine executive discussion.

The panel will discuss how manufacturers are adjusting investments, localisation strategies and technology adoption in response to global changes. The focus is shifting from efficiency alone to building industrial resilience for future disruptions.

Sanjay Chatterjee, Director General of ATMA India, will complement this discussion with a presentation on industry growth, policy and institutional perspectives. His insights will be valuable for delegates interested in the regulatory and economic factors influencing future investments in India’s tyre sector.

If the opening sessions focus on commercial realities, the conference’s technical programme turns decisively towards manufacturing transformation.

Session II, chaired by V K Misra, Technical Director of JK Tyre, examines manufacturing excellence through the lens of process engineering and industrial innovation. The session begins with the presentation of Dr Gerard Nijman, Expert Sales Manager Tyre & Rubber, Krauss Maffei, who will present a paper titled ‘50 Years of Tyre Component Extrusion: Did the Piggyback Multiplex Head Reach its End of Life?’ The presentation will revisit the introduction of the piggyback co-extrusion concept nearly 50 years ago, which improved process capability, addressed OEM requirements and reduced scrap generation.

The technology enabled the co-extrusion of tyre components using up to seven rubber compounds and is now used in more than 95 percent of tread and sidewall production. Dr Nijman will also discuss the limitations of current multiplex heads and provide a preview of a new co-extrusion concept for tyre compounds.

Nicola Fedele Rodolfo, Managing Director and Board Member, Rodolfo Comerio, will speak on ‘Calendering – The Heart Beat of Tyre Production’. The presentation will trace Rodolfo Comerio’s role in calendaring technology for the global tyre and rubber industry, combining market perspectives, technical innovation, company heritage and future developments. The presentation concludes by underscoring the company’s 148-year legacy in the industry, from operating the first calender for Pirelli to supporting the next generation of tyre production technologies.

Karsten Jung, Director – Sales, Rubber Machinery Division, TROESTER GmbH & Co. KG, and Saravana Kumar S, Managing Director and Member, TROESTER India Pvt Ltd, will speak on ‘Robotics and Automation’. Jung will present the latest developments in automation and robotics solutions for the tyre industry while also addressing the impact of electric vehicle requirements on compound development. Drawing on testing conducted at TROESTER’s in-house laboratory, the presentation will highlight a newly adapted screw design developed to improve the processing of new EV compounds. Saravana Kumar will outline how regional service integration supports sustainable extrusion operations. Saravana Kumar’s presentation will focus on TROESTER India’s presence in Chennai and its customer support capabilities across engineering, technical service, spare parts and after-sales support, aimed at enabling faster response times and improved operational efficiency.

This progression towards advanced manufacturing continues in the third session which is on Advancements in Tyre Manufacturing.

Dr Róbert Hula, Sales & Marketing Manager, Vipo a.s., will present his paper titled ‘Bead and Apex Solutions for Advanced Tire Manufacturing’. The presentation will explore how changing tyre production requirements, including smaller batch sizes, frequent product changes and larger rim sizes, are increasing demand for more flexible manufacturing systems.

The presentation will highlight VIPO technologies such as the LIHEXAL 8 bead winding machine and advanced apexing systems, featuring real-time monitoring, AI-supported controls, MES integration and automated material handling. It will also introduce concepts such as sensor-ready bead production and digital optimisation of manufacturing lines, focusing on the role of bead and apex technologies in advanced tyre production.

Bob Irwin, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Steelastic, will give a paper presentation titled ‘Integrating Extrusion Technology with Conventional Calendering to Elevate Tire Manufacturing Efficiency’. The paper will explore the integration of Steelastic’s advanced extrusion-based systems with conventional calendering and cutting methods in tyre reinforcement manufacturing, with a particular focus on the APAC market.

The presentation will examine how combining these technologies can enhance production efficiency, flexibility, sustainability and quality across tyre manufacturing operations.

Session IV, chaired by C Harimohan of Yokohama Off Highway Tire, is Going Green and Sustainable. Colin Clarke, Director Technical Sales, Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH, will present a paper titled ‘From Evolution to Revolution – Functional Additive Chemistry Adapted to Extreme Processing Challenges’. The presentation will examine how process additives have evolved from general processing aids into targeted solutions addressing challenges such as silica dispersion, tack, green strength, mill release and compound-to-metal adhesion. Focusing on extreme silica-filled and resin-rich tyre compounds, the presentation will introduce a new functional additive technology designed to optimise mixer and mill release while maintaining silica dispersion, improved flow behaviour, enhanced green strength and tyre performance properties.

In his presentation titled ‘Innovative Silane Grafted Liquid Rubber for Tire Compounds’, Ralph Böhm, Senior Manager, Kuraray, will share his thoughts on the role of liquid rubbers, composed of isoprene, butadiene and styrene, in improving tyre processing and performance. The paper will highlight the latest study on functionalised liquid rubbers and their advantages in natural rubber and silica formulations, focusing on processability, balancing rolling resistance, abrasion and grip and supporting formulations for next-generation TBR and EV tyres with sustainability considerations.

In his presentation titled ‘Excellent Cord Adhesion Without Cobalt and Resorcinol – A Truly Sustainable Solution’, Dr Roberto Blanco Trillo, Global Business Development Manager, Allnex, will talk about emerging alternatives to conventional adhesion promoter systems used in tyre compounds. Dr Trillo will also talk on the challenges of eliminating resorcinol and cobalt salts from tyre formulations while maintaining vulcanisation speed, mechanical properties, cord adhesion and ageing performance. The presentation will highlight the development of resorcinol-free Novolak resins and a newly functionalised Novolak technology designed to deliver strong cord adhesion and ageing performance without the use of cobalt or resorcinol while also addressing environmental, toxicological and sustainability concerns.

As GTRC is known for providing networking opportunities, a Gala and entertainment night has been organised on the first day on the conference.

Day Two opens with one of the conference’s most contemporary themes.

Session V, explores emerging technologies and artificial intelligence within tyre manufacturing. The timing could hardly be more relevant.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has progressed rapidly from experimental concept to industrial application. Predictive maintenance, intelligent inspection systems and data-driven production management are already altering factory operations across multiple industries.

Marcel Berkers, Vice President Global Sales Tire & Rubber at VMI, is expected to share his thoughts on how these technological shifts are redefining manufacturing systems. Yet the most anticipated discussion may come from Peter Haan, Head of Global VM Tire at Siemens AG, whose presentation addresses the simple utilisation of AI in tyre manufacturing.

Hann will explore the practical adoption of artificial intelligence in tyre manufacturing through his presentation titled ‘Simple Utilisation of AI in Tyre Manufacturing’. The presentation will focus on how AI can be implemented and utilised more easily in industrial environments, particularly at a time when many AI projects struggle to achieve their intended outcomes. Highlighting the shortage of AI-skilled expertise within the industry, Haan will also discuss the importance of enabling

NEW VENUE FOR A BIGGER GTRC

The decision to host GTRC 2026 at the Chennai Trade Centre (CTC) reflects the conference’s growing scale and industry relevance. Following strong participation in the last two editions, organisers faced space constraints as GTRC evolved beyond a conventional conference into a major knowledge-sharing and networking platform for the global tyre and rubber industry.

Located in Nandambakkam and managed by the Tamil Nadu Trade Promotion Organisation (TNTPO), the Chennai Trade Centre offers modern convention and exhibition infrastructure with excellent connectivity to the airport and city transport networks. Its large, flexible facilities are designed to host international trade fairs and business events.

“The move to CTC also responds to industry demand. Many participating companies increasingly view GTRC not only as a forum for technical discussions but also as a platform to showcase innovations and technologies through exhibition booths. The venue’s integrated conference and exhibition facilities make it an ideal setting for GTRC’s next stage of growth,” said Antony Powath, President, Pin 365.

AI adoption by non-specialists. The presentation will also touch upon how AI can accelerate process optimisation in emerging areas such as electrical curing and tyre recycling.

The conference subsequently turns towards quality assurance through Session VI, chaired by UnniKrishnan P K, Global Head – R&D, Tyre Testing at Apollo Tyres.

Testing technologies increasingly determine both production quality and operational efficiency. As artificial intelligence gains traction across tyre manufacturing, autonomous inspection systems are emerging as a key area of innovation. At GTRC 2026, Dr Shaun M Immel of Micropoise will present the latest developments in autonomous tyre defect detection through X-ray image analysis. The paper will focus on advances in Autonomous Defect Recognition (ADR), highlighting a new software solution designed to streamline tyre X-ray inspection. Unlike conventional systems that rely on expensive master tyres and lengthy calibration procedures to achieve millimetre-level screening accuracy, the new approach eliminates these requirements. According to Micropoise, the technology significantly reduces the time and effort involved in creating and managing inspection recipes, cutting preparation times from hours to minutes. By integrating AI and Deep Learning (DL) techniques, the system enables more accurate autonomous tyre inspection and defect classification.

Lubos Hodal, Head of Sales Department at Micro-Epsilon, will present the company’s latest developments in tyre inspection systems. Hodal’s presentation will highlight offline profiling with compound measurement, online profiling with auto-correlation functionality, tyre letter inspection and tyre mould inspection technologies aimed at improving manufacturing accuracy and defect detection. Hodal will also underline Micro-Epsilon’s ‘Made in India’ approach, reflecting the growing role of localised manufacturing in supporting the tyre industry.

Michael Müller, Senior Sales and Key Account Manager at ZF, will present a technical paper titled ‘Tyre High Speed Uniformity Measurement – Interpretation Regarding Quality & Vehicle Comfort in R&D and Virtual Tyre Development’.

As tyre manufacturers increasingly rely on virtual development and advanced modelling techniques, accurate high-speed uniformity (HSU) measurement has become central to evaluating tyre performance, ride comfort and quality.

Müller’s presentation will examine the state of the art in HSU measurement and analysis, addressing how key tyre characteristics are incorporated into tyre modelling and comparing measurement approaches using speed ramps and constant speeds. The session will also explore the different machine types used for HSU measurement, including the influence of machine natural frequencies on measurement outcomes.

Further discussion will focus on typical HSU evaluations, the impact of varying road wheel surfaces and the available concepts for testing across different surfaces. The presentation will additionally highlight the tyre model parameters derived from HSU measurements and review both recent technological advances and ongoing developments shaping the future of high-speed tyre testing.

The session is expected to offer valuable insight into the evolving role of HSU measurement in tyre R&D, quality assurance and virtual tyre development.

With sustainability moving to the forefront of tyre manufacturing, curing technologies are under increasing scrutiny. Anil Nair, Director of Curing Press Sales for HF Group in India, will present ‘HF eCuring – The Next Level of Electrical Tyre Curing, in the final technical session. In his presentation, Nair will highlight how HF Group’s electrical curing technology could significantly reduce the curing room’s carbon footprint while delivering operational gains such as higher throughput, improved tyre quality, enhanced safety and lower maintenance costs. The presentation will also highlight the role of online condition monitoring and predictive maintenance in supporting long-term efficiency.

As the tyre industry accelerates its shift towards circularity, end-of-life tyre traceability is becoming increasingly important. Arthur Wagner, CEO, REGOM, will discuss how data-driven traceability solutions can improve transparency and efficiency across the recycling value chain. The presentation will tell how structured data and material flow tracking can support compliance, improve decision-making and enhance the quality of recovered materials, helping build a more circular tyre ecosystem.

Sustainable material innovation will also feature prominently at GTRC 2026, with Black Donuts presenting a novel approach to replacing fossil-based tyre components. Aki Nurminen from Black Donut will throw light on a new premix material combining natural rubber and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), a plant-derived reinforcement material. Designed to overcome compatibility challenges in tyre manufacturing, the technology promises improved usability while reducing reliance on carbon black and other fossil-based inputs.

The conference closes with a panel discussion that may ultimately prove its most candid conversation.

Moderated by Srikanth Chakravarthy, Managing Director of Eonix, the discussion on crisis, sustainability and the green transition brings together Nikhil Puri of Yokohama and procurement leaders from other tyre companies. Their conversation is expected to confront the difficult questions underpinning contemporary industry strategy: how manufacturers balance sustainability with cost realities, navigate geopolitical disruptions and maintain competitiveness amid rapidly changing technological and environmental expectations.

For the tyre industry, GTRC 2026 arrives not simply as another conference but as a reflection of an industry in transition. Chennai may provide the venue, but the themes under discussion – automation, circularity, artificial intelligence and manufacturing resilience – are unmistakably global.

WHAT INDUSTRY LEADERS SAY ABOUT GTRC PAST EDITIONS

“Over and above it, GTRC is a great networking opportunity.”

Satish Sharma, Senior President & Director – Business Development & Strategy, Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT)

“I loved the conference a lot, and I thank you, Antony, and the team. Looking forward to attending more conferences.”

Pravin Joshi, Vice President at Yokohama Off-Highway Tyre

“First, we are very happy to be here; it’s always good to be with our friends and customers for a couple of days. It gives us the opportunity to discuss in a very nice atmosphere. I also think the presentations are very good and high level. It helps us connect with our customers and understand their needs better so we can help them and support them even better. This year (2024) , a record number of people have come here, so all in all, it is very good.”

Harm Voortman, VMI Group

“I think it is a very interesting event to get to meet major role players from the Indian tyre industry in one room where they can see all the new developments and trends within the industry – having this conference once every two years is great, as developments take time.”

Warren Rudman, HF

“I like the interaction. The setup, speakers and high-quality audience are all good combinations.”

Erik Lapre, VMI

“On behalf of our company (Vipo), I would like to thank you for organising GTRC and for bringing some great people and topics related to the tyre industry. It is a unique place for networking. I recommend GTRC to everyone in the industry.”

Andrej Bencel, PhD, Vipo A.S.

“I would like to thank the team for hosting GTRC and bringing all the industry leaders together on a common platform. It is a great knowledge-sharing platform as well as a productive one. The topics covered on sustainability and AI are great and very useful. To be frank, it is the need of the hour.”

Vashni R, SRF Limited

“I thought it would be like any other conference, but it was beyond that, and I learned many things from GTRC. Not only the content but also the hospitality was very good. It was just perfect.”

Sahana, Assistant Manager R&D, Yokohama

Cabot Corporation has announced a significant leadership transition, with President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Keohane set to retire from his roles and step down from the Board of Directors, effective 30 September 2026. The company has elected Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Corporate Strategy Erica McLaughlin to succeed him. McLaughlin will assume the positions of President and CEO, in addition to joining the Board as a member of the class whose term concludes at the 2029 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, effective 1 October 2026.

To facilitate a seamless handover, Keohane will remain with Cabot in an advisory capacity through the end of the 2026 calendar year. Concurrent with McLaughlin’s elevation, the company has initiated a formal search process to identify her replacement as Chief Financial Officer.

McLaughlin brings over two decades of experience to her new role, having joined Cabot in 2002 and holding various senior leadership posts across finance, strategy and the Reinforcement Materials division. Since assuming her current position in 2018, she has been instrumental in shaping corporate strategy and driving operational discipline. Her prior roles included Vice President of Business Operations for Reinforcement Materials, General Manager of its tire business and Vice President of Investor Relations. Beyond Cabot, she contributes her expertise as a board member for Azenta Life Sciences and as an advisor to FM Global.

Keohane’s distinguished tenure spans nearly 25 years, with his service as President and CEO beginning in 2016. His leadership was marked by significant portfolio refinement, the strengthening of core businesses, and the successful expansion into battery materials. He also advanced the company’s sustainability agenda and commitment to operational excellence, delivering robust performance and sustained shareholder value throughout his career.

Board Chair Michael Morrow said, “Erica brings deep industry expertise and a strong understanding of Cabot’s businesses, markets and global operations. This experience, coupled with her commitment to the company’s long-term strategic priorities, positions her exceptionally well to lead Cabot. Our decision to appoint Erica as the next President and CEO reflects a thoughtful and deliberate succession planning process. Her deep knowledge of the organisation and commitment to the values and culture that have been integral to Cabot’s success will provide continuity as we execute this leadership transition. We believe she brings the leadership, discipline and strategic clarity needed to lead Cabot forward and deliver on our long-term vision.

“The Board is deeply appreciative of Sean’s exceptional leadership and distinguished career at Cabot. We extend our congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. During his tenure as CEO, Sean provided strong, steady and thoughtful leadership, focusing the company’s portfolio around its core businesses and advancing new strategic long-term growth priorities. His collaborative leadership style has strengthened our organisation and leadership team, leaving a strong foundation for continued success in the years ahead.”

McLaughlin said, “I am deeply honoured to succeed Sean as President and CEO and lead Cabot into our next chapter. Having been at Cabot for close to 25 years, I know firsthand the strength of our people and our businesses. I look forward to working with the Board and our global team to build on our success, grow the company by supporting our customers with innovative chemistry solutions to advance their businesses and create value for our stockholders.”

Keohane said, “It has been a tremendous privilege to lead Cabot and to work alongside such a talented and dedicated global team. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and the foundation we have created. I am confident Cabot is in excellent hands under Erica’s leadership. We have worked side by side for almost my entire tenure as CEO and I have seen first-hand her strong leadership, operational discipline and sharp strategic mind. Erica is a trusted and highly capable leader with deep knowledge of our business and a commitment to our people, the culture and the unique heritage of this great company. I look forward to supporting a seamless transition in the months ahead.”

Robin Wiener, President of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF). Her appointment recognises her leadership within both the recycled materials and tyre manufacturing sectors. In this new capacity, Wiener will support the Foundation's mission to enhance the tyre recycling supply chain and foster the growth of innovative markets for recycled tyre materials.

TRF, a joint initiative led by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association and the Tire Industry Association, aims to drive circularity and sustainability in the US tyre recycling industry. Wiener joins a board of global industry leaders dedicated to securing funding and allocating grants for critical research and demonstration projects.

Apollo Tyres Chairman Onkar S. Kanwar has said the company remains focused on disciplined execution, sustainability and long-term value creation as it navigates geopolitical uncertainty, changing trade dynamics and a challenging global business environment.

Addressing shareholders at the company's 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), Kanwar said FY26 had been a year that tested businesses worldwide, but Apollo Tyres had continued to strengthen its financial performance while investing for future growth.

"The future is not something we inherit. It is something we create through the choices we make every day," Kanwar told shareholders, quoting Mahatma Gandhi's observation that "The future depends on what we do in the present."

Apollo Tyres reported consolidated revenue of INR 284.71 billion for FY26, crossing the INR 280 billion milestone, while operating profit rose to INR 41.43 billion. Kanwar said the company's focus extended beyond financial performance to improving capital efficiency, operational discipline and profitable growth.

"Every important decision we take is driven by one simple question: Are we building a stronger company for tomorrow?" he said.

Kanwar also highlighted the company's efforts to strengthen the Apollo Tyres brand through its association with the Indian national cricket team, describing the partnership as one that reflected Apollo Tyres' values of resilience, determination and excellence rather than merely serving as a branding exercise.

Sustainability remained central to the company's strategy, he said, noting that Apollo Tyres' greenhouse gas emission reduction targets had been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), reinforcing its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The company continued to expand the use of renewable energy while improving responsible sourcing and resource efficiency across its operations, Kanwar said. "Sustainability is no longer a separate agenda for Apollo Tyres; it has become an integral part of how we innovate, manufacture and grow."

Kanwar credited employees for the company's performance, describing their commitment and adaptability as the foundation of Apollo Tyres' continued progress. He also acknowledged the support of governments and institutions across the markets where the company operates.

He singled out Hungary as a key manufacturing base in Europe, saying Apollo Tyres' plant at Gyöngyöshalász reflected the benefits of long-term collaboration with the Hungarian government.

Looking ahead, Kanwar expressed confidence in the company's growth prospects, citing India's expanding market opportunities and Apollo Tyres' international manufacturing and distribution footprint.

"Uncertainty will always be a part of business, but organisations that remain true to their values, continue to innovate and invest responsibly will be best placed to succeed," he said.

Thanking shareholders, customers, dealers, suppliers, financial institutions and government partners for their continued support, Kanwar said Apollo Tyres remained committed to building "a company that is stronger, more resilient and more responsible with every passing year."

CAMSO Construction and CEAT Specialty has announced the appointment of Jason Canning as Vice President & Head – International Sales for CAMSO Construction and CEAT OHT business units. The executive will assume responsibility for steering the company’s worldwide sales strategy, accelerating international revenue expansion, and fortifying collaborations with original equipment manufacturers, distribution networks and end-users in pivotal global regions.

With a career spanning over two decades, Canning brings extensive commercial leadership experience garnered across the speciality tyre, industrial products and engineered materials industries. His professional track record is distinguished by consistent delivery of sustainable financial growth, the cultivation of high-performance international sales teams and the establishment of durable strategic alliances with major OEMs, channel partners and a diverse clientele across multiple continents.

This strategic hire underscores the organisation’s ongoing commitment to securing premier global talent in support of its ambitious international development objectives. The move also reaffirms the company’s dedication to providing customer-centric, premium-grade solutions on a worldwide scale, aligning with its broader vision for sustained market presence and operational excellence.

Canning said, "I am excited to join CAMSO Construction and CEAT OHT at such a pivotal time for the organisation. I look forward to leveraging my international experience to strengthen our global partnerships, expand our market presence and drive sustainable growth for the business."

Amit Tolani, Director, CAMSO Construction and Chief Executive, CEAT Specialty, said, " Jason's international experience and proven track record of building high-performing sales teams make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. His deep understanding of the OHT products landscape, along with strong OEM and channel relationships, will support our global expansion."