HOW IT CREATES A FUTURE- PROOF TYRE MANUFACTURING…

Conventional tyre manufacturing systems require too much human skill and intervention, so the impact and consequences of digitalisation on the tyre industry are even greater. Standard manufacturing processes require strict monitoring, corrections and automation at every stage. Digitalisation offers numerous benefits for sustainable production improvements. They achieve measurable results in manufacturing, quality improvement, marketing and sales.

Tyre manufacturers monitor and automate their processes, reduce manual labour and gain real-time insights into production line status and performance. Barcode and QR code labelling streamlines production processes, enables efficient and cost-effective tracking and improves accuracy and efficiency. Traceability is simple and feasible, improving profitability and customer satisfaction.

Scanning simplifies the location, tracking of parts and materials and provides manufacturers with real-time insights into their production processes. RFID applications are gaining momentum in the passenger tyre segment, having already demonstrated numerous benefits in commercial applications.

Digitalisation technologies help quick identification of production defects in the final product and increase productivity with AI based scanning, inspection, real-time decision-making processes.

Digitalisation in the tyre industry is a gradual process that will improve performance, quality and profitability being on the way of real Industry 4.0 applications in tyre manufacturing. It continually opens up new opportunities to leverage data for better decision-making. Overall, digitalisation in tyre manufacturing is a powerful tool that unlocks the full potential of production. However, after implementation, continuous investment, as well as internal research and improvements, are required.

The tyre manufacturing industry is constantly evolving. Machines are becoming increasingly automated, more precise and data-driven. Recent advances based on the principles of Industry 4.0 include the aforementioned IoT, AI (artificial intelligence), robotics and sustainability.

Industry 4.0-driven digitalisation is based on the concept of the ‘digital twin’, meaning every machine is a data node. Data from every step (compound parameters, component dimensions, curing profiles) is collected for each tyre. This creates a virtual replica of the physical tyre, which is a ‘digital twin’ that enables complete traceability and data-driven process optimisation.

The role of humans is evolving from simple manual tasks to monitoring, diagnostics and data analysis. Robots, especially collaborative robots or cobots,

are taking over tasks such as final inspection and material handling. These revolutionary steps and concepts are having a major impact on manufacturing, optimising quality, performance, customer satisfaction and contributing to business success.

Modern mixing systems are increasingly replacing conventional tangential mixers. The intermeshing of the two rotors ensures more efficient and homogeneous mixing with better temperature control. This leads to higher mixing quality and consistency.

New mixing technologies, on the other hand, utilise ‘continuous mixing systems’, i.e. the continuous and simultaneous supply of all raw materials in precisely controlled quantities. The materials are continuously mixed in a series of specialised extruders and mixing units. At the end, a continuous stream of a perfectly homogeneous mixture emerges. This represents a revolution compared to conventional batch mixing. It improves energy efficiency, reduces the carbon footprint and enables unprecedented consistency and traceability.

Highly automated ‘multi-calender systems’ are equipped with multiple rollers that can simultaneously produce multiple layers (e.g. carcass ply, squeegee layer or inner liner) with extreme precision in thickness and width. Similar to extrusion lines with laser thickness control, these systems ensure 100 percent control and transmit data immediately to the extrusion head and calender roll clearances for automatic adjustment and maintenance of tolerances down to a fraction of a millimetre.

Thanks to the ‘multi-stage transfer’, the tyre casing is transferred between drums for the various production steps automatically and without human intervention, automatic cutting and splicing prevent deviations in quality. RFID technology integrated fully assures correct recipe and security in component application.

The robotic application and component preparation, such as with 6-axis robots, is now widely used for the fast and precise gripping and placement of complex components such as bead and apex assemblies.

Electric vulcanising presses are equipped with intelligent mould controls, whose integrated sensors monitor temperature and pressure in real time across multiple zones. The AI system dynamically adjusts the vulcanisation cycle (time, temperature, steam pressure) to ensure perfect curing of each tyre and compensate for any mould or material deviations.

Furthermore, predictive maintenance is now essential to avoid unplanned production downtime. Vibration, temperature and pressure sensors installed on manufacturing machines monitor all machine functions and alert when maintenance is required. High-precision servomotors, replacing pneumatic or hydraulic systems, work with servo-electric robots and are used in various production phases with submillimetre precision, reducing energy consumption and maintenance requirements.

The most visible technological advances in finishing and inspection lines today are fully automated with full sensitive cameras, AI-integrated and non-destructive testing (NDT) machines. Automated high-resolution X-ray machines scan each tyre to detect hidden defects such as trapped air, steel cord separation, or bead wire issues. Shearography and holography – being traditional but now equipped with intuitive, incredibly fast and precise modes – use lasers and intelligence to detect underlying defects or separations by measuring stress-induced deformations.

Uniformity and force variation measurement systems utilise AI algorithms to not only identify a tyre as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ but also diagnose the root cause of the deviation. Robotic trimming and polishing machines automatically locate and remove burrs (excess rubber) from the tyre using precise grinding tools – a traditionally manual and laborious task.

Of course, the future of tyre manufacturing, driven by advanced digitalisation, IoT and robotics, is rapidly evolving into a model for a smart, autonomous and sustainable industry, often referred to as ‘Tyre Industry 4.0’.

This transformation isn’t just about doing the same things faster; it will fundamentally change tyre design, production, sales and even performance. Tyre production facilities will become more autonomous, adaptable, efficient, predictive, personalised and, as expected, more sustainable.

Industry 4.0 and AI-powered digitalisation will accelerate sustainability. Precision manufacturing minimises material waste through the use of high-precision components. AI can easily manage energy consumption throughout the factory. IoT sensors monitor the overall condition of tyres, ensuring fast tyre changes, safety and performance.

This transformation will lead to safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly tyres.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

MAXAM Tire has named Chris Rhoades as its new Zone Sales Director for the Northern region, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to expanding its footprint and enhancing customer service within the speciality tyre aftermarket. The appointment reflects a broader strategy to strengthen leadership and competitive positioning in the sector.

Rhoades brings over 25 years of international industry experience and a well-established reputation as a leading voice in the tyre business. His leadership credentials include being elected to two separate terms on the Tire Industry Association Board of Directors. Most recently at BKT Tires, he managed strategic growth in complex and highly technical off the road markets, where he aligned regional execution with global strategy, led cross functional teams and consistently delivered measurable revenue increases.

In his new capacity, Rhoades will direct all sales operations across the Northern region, collaborating closely with customers and partners to ensure performance, service and support remain synonymous with the MAXAM Tire brand. His appointment signals a focused effort to drive results through experienced leadership and deep market knowledge.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire, said, “We are excited to welcome Chris to the MAXAM team. Chris brings deep industry knowledge, proven leadership and a strong customer-first mindset that will create immediate value for our partners. His experience and vision will play an important role as we continue to grow our presence, strengthen relationships and expend the MAXAM brand across the market.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bekaert’s Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Olivier Biebuyck as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 June 2026. He brings extensive expertise in leading, expanding and transforming global industrial enterprises through both organic growth and acquisitions, positioning him to drive Bekaert’s future strategic goals.

On that same date, the board will co-opt Biebuyck as a director. Meanwhile, current CEO and board member Yves Kerstens will conclude his mandate on 31 May 2026, having led the company in recent years. He will also step down from his directorship as of that day.

The leadership transition marks a carefully planned succession, with Biebuyck’s track record seen as critical to advancing Bekaert’s long-term ambitions. The changes take effect at the end of May and start of June 2026.

Jürgen Tinggren, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “I am proud to announce the appointment of Olivier Biebuyck as CEO of Bekaert. The Board is convinced that he is the right person to lead the transformation of the company in its next chapter. On behalf of the Board and the entire Bekaert team, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Yves for his leadership, commitment and contribution to the company over the past years, and wish him the very best.”

Biebuyck said, “Bekaert has an impressive history of innovation, business expansion and evolution. I am honoured to take up the role of CEO at Bekaert. I look forward to working closely with the Board, the leadership team and all colleagues around the world to further transform and grow the company and create long term value for all our stakeholders.”

Kerstens said, “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Bekaert and to work alongside our colleagues around the world during the past years. I am proud of what we have achieved together and wish Olivier all the best to lead the company in building a strong future.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sri Lanka-based GRI Tires has extended its limited warranty coverage for pneumatic tyres to up to 10 years, effective from 2026, as the specialty tyre manufacturer seeks to strengthen customer assurance across its agricultural, construction and material handling businesses.

The revised warranty policy applies to all GRI-branded pneumatic tyres manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, and covers customers in more than 80 countries. The company previously offered warranty coverage of up to seven years.

Under the updated policy, agricultural radial tyres will be covered for up to 10 years, while agricultural bias tyres will receive coverage of up to eight years. Construction, earthmover, industrial, material handling, port and mining tyres will be covered for up to five years, subject to terms and conditions.

GRI said warranty protection would cover qualifying defects, with credit issued on a pro-rated basis.

For qualifying failures occurring within the first three years, and where radial tyre wear does not exceed 20 per cent, customers will receive a full replacement credit.

The warranty applies exclusively to the original end-use purchaser.

“This enhanced 10-year warranty is more than a policy update — it is a statement of our conviction in the quality of every tire we manufacture,” said Barry Guildford, global commercial director at GRI.

“We build tires to perform in the most demanding conditions, and we stand behind them.”

Customers can submit warranty claims through authorised GRI dealers and distributors, or directly through the company’s customer support channels.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Georg Nordmann Holding Aktiengesellschaft (GNH) has appointed Martin Rathke as Managing Director of its subsidiary Nordmann (Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH), effective 1 May 2026. The move marks a strategic step in the company’s ongoing leadership development.

Rathke joins with considerable leadership experience and deep knowledge of international sales and distribution within the chemical distribution sector. His career includes years of service in a family-owned enterprise, where he held senior management roles with global responsibility. He will now share leadership duties with Ulrich Cramer, who remains in his position, and together they aim to form a closely aligned team to advance Nordmann’s strategic direction.

The joint leadership will focus on accelerating global expansion through targeted strategic, organic and inorganic growth while optimising existing operations and continuously refining the company’s portfolio strategy. Backed by the commitment of its shareholders, Nordmann seeks to strengthen its international presence and evolve into a global player in the chemical distribution industry.

Irina Zschaler, CEO of Georg Nordmann Holding Aktiengesellschaft, said, “Martin brings exactly the combination of entrepreneurial mindset, international experience and leadership strength that we value in our relationships and for our path to grow. Our collaboration is based on responsibility, integrity and the aspiration to create added value together for all involved and the entire group. We are therefore very much looking forward to welcoming our full Nordmann team.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!