Utilising automation and digitalisation - known as digitisation in tyre manufacturing, presents a new perspective on all activities and tasks. Computer-aided systems make it possible to shorten continuous development and production times, increase time and performance usage of lines, and increase product quality while reducing the time needed for changing settings and to maintain the fleet.

In the past 20 years, VIPO a.s. has established itself as a leading manufacturer of automatic bead winding production lines. Based on the requirements of its customers and taking into account the trends in the tyre industry, in addition to continuously improving the existing lines, in 2014 VIPO a.s. started to invest in the development and acquisition of services-oriented services aimed at increasing production efficiency, in particular by reducing the time of line settings and maintenance, improving production quality and maintaining best practice directly in the factories and all of this in the most comprehensible form suitable for newly recruited workers as well.

In the area of digital competence, VIPO a.s. focuses mainly on 3 interconnected areas:

1) Advanced Condition Monitoring (ACM) - advanced condition monitoring including predictive maintenance (Regression Analysis and Neural Networks);

2) Rapid Action Supporting System (RASS) - enabling rapid problem localization and immediate search for the necessary methodology and documentation using 3D scans, including the development and preservation of Best Practice;

3) Staff training - using multi-view instructional videos, respectively 3D virtual trainings and optimization principles of Quick Changeover (SMED), Poka-Yoke and ergonomic and safety principles.

Advanced Condition Monitoring

Shifting from reactive and preventive maintenance to predictive maintenance that allows all tasks to be performed at exactly the optimum time, thus reducing downtime and reducing scrap, is not possible without advanced condition monitoring and the appropriate analytical part of the necessary amount of data. In this area, VIPO uses its own specialists in statistics and neural networks, long-term know-how in the field of mechanical design and rubber chemistry. Data security in the process of data acquisition, processing and presentation is a matter of course. VIPO never stores tyre production and technology data without the consent of a particular tyre manufacturer. Data processing is possible on the manufacturer's servers, respectively in the cloud (according to customer preference).

Rapid Action Supporting System

RASS is a system using 3D Scan, respectively 360-degree panoramas of production technology for easier and faster orientation in space (especially for less-experienced or new workers). This interface is linked to live data on production parameters as well as on the current need for intervention (whether changes in settings or equipment maintenance). At the same time, the operator / maintenance staff makes use of all the necessary documentation (such as technology regulations, machine documentation and electrical documentation) quickly available to deal with the situation at a specific point of the technology. Thus, the system does not burden the workers in a time-consuming situation with too much information that may be generated when searching for the necessary documents and procedures. Using an intelligent search system in the Best Practice of the plant based on solving the same or similar problems, the worker can accomplish the tasks properly, on time and much faster than before RASS implementation.

Staff training

Based on our long-term experience with continuous improvement of our internal processes and products, VIPO a.s. has also integrated a staff training system - operations and maintenance - into the system. The training can be based on complex but also affordable instructional videos that are required by end-users, which, thanks to multi-vision technology, accurately and comprehensively depict the correct procedure for performing the desired task. The video tutorials emphasize all the key moments concerning the production technology itself, as well as ergonomics and occupational safety. “The cherry” on the trainings in the terms of production savings is the optimization of the processes, where, through a team of engineers, we are able to optimize processes in accordance with the principles of SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) and Poka-Yoke. For more demanding customer groups, we offer training in 3D virtual reality, which also enables automatic evaluation of the effectiveness of the training and the trained workers themselves.

The main service that VIPO a.s. offers to its customers for supporting the challenges of 2020 is the complex system described above, the main effect of which is to save time when changing production technology settings, as well as performing service tasks. At the same time, the system contributes to reducing the number of scraps and also enables customers to develop and fully exploit their best know-how.

VIPO a.s. offers its know-how and services related to its own SMM (Smart Maintenance Module) software solution, but it is also able to integrate it into existing solutions of the world's leading IoT software manufacturers.

(For more information about Smart Maintenance Module and all services provided, please contact: Andrej Bencel, SMM Key Account Manager; abencel@vipo.sk; www.vipo.sk; www.smartmaintenance.sk

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Gaurav Kumar has resigned as a whole-time director of Apollo Tyres, the Indian tyre manufacturer, after more than two decades with the company, though he will remain chief financial officer during a transition period.

The Gurugram-based company's board approved the resignation at a meeting on Thursday. Kumar steps down as a director, and consequently as a member of the risk management committee, with effect from the close of business the same day. The company said he had confirmed there was no material reason for his departure beyond that stated in his resignation letter.

Kumar will continue as chief financial officer for such period as is necessary to ensure a smooth transition, after which he will cease to be part of the company's senior management.

In his resignation letter, Kumar said: "It has been terrific to be part of the incredible journey at Apollo Tyres thus far. I have learned, and hopefully contributed in equal measure, and now seek to explore alternative and new challenges. I wish Apollo Tyres the very best for the journey ahead and will always be part of the Apollo Tyres Family." He added that he was grateful to Onkar Kanwar and Neeraj Kanwar for their support during his tenure of more than 22 years at the company.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, said: "Gaurav deserves kudos for the critical role he has played in the growth of Apollo Tyres, both in India and overseas, in the last twenty years. While we do regret losing him, we are conscious of his personal aspirations and wish him the very best in his future endeavours."

The company said it was in the process of appointing a new chief financial officer.

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Shrader Tire & Oil (STO) has announced the appointment of Bob Feldbauer to the role of President, effective 1 August 2026. He will concurrently serve as Chief Operating Officer, while Joe Shrader maintains his position as Chief Executive Officer.

Feldbauer’s ascent follows his arrival at STO in early 2025 as Chief Operating Officer, a role built upon a robust industry resume. His prior engagements include a lengthy stint at the helm of Jack’s Tire & Oil in Utah and a substantial period with Michelin North America, where he handled sales and managerial assignments.

Under the new structure, Feldbauer’s purview widens to encompass both internal fleet management across 14 sites and outward-facing commercial development, including alliances and market expansion. With the founding family’s fourth generation now active within the firm, the succession plan reinforces the enduring principles established when the company opened in 1948.

Shrader said, “Bob has proven exactly what we hoped he would when we brought him on board – sharp operational instincts and a real drive to help this company grow. Putting him in the President seat lets us move faster on the growth plans we’ve been building towards.”

Feldbauer said, “It has been a fast year and a half at Shrader Tire & Oil. I have gained tremendous insight and valuable knowledge about our organisation’s structure, company culture and an understanding of our overall goals and commitments. One thing is clearly obvious – the commitment Shrader employees have to deliver the best customer experience each and every time. I appreciate this and look forward to supporting them as their President and COO.”

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has unveiled a brand installation at the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) T2 Elevated Road Underpass as the tyre manufacturer seeks to broaden its positioning beyond its traditional Off-Highway business and strengthen awareness of its expanding on-highway portfolio in India.

The 2,000 sq. ft. installation, inspired by the company's "Elevate Your Drive" philosophy, highlights BKT's portfolio across agriculture, construction, mining, earthmoving, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and passenger vehicles. The activation comes as the company expands its presence in India's two-wheeler and commercial vehicle tyre segments.

Designed to move beyond conventional outdoor advertising, the installation features nine illuminated tyre-shaped displays, each 8 feet in diameter, using the tyre itself as the central storytelling element. It opens with a large-format visual featuring BKT brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, followed by a sequence of displays illustrating the company's expanding mobility portfolio. The installation will remain at the airport for 24 months.

Mumbai International Airport handled a record 55.5 million passengers in 2025, providing the company with sustained visibility among business travellers and consumers.

"For BKT, innovation goes beyond product engineering; it extends to how we tell our story. This installation reflects a simple yet powerful idea: our tyre itself becomes the medium through which travellers experience the breadth of BKT's world. As we expand our presence across India's mobility landscape, it is important that consumers see BKT not through a single product category, but as a brand that supports movement across diverse terrains, applications and journeys. Mumbai Airport provides an ideal stage for us to express that transformation in a memorable and distinctive way," said Satish Sharma, Senior President & Director – Business Development and Strategy, BKT.

The installation was conceptualised by Infectious Advertising and uses immersive design, sequential storytelling and its airport location to showcase the company's wider mobility portfolio. According to BKT, the activation is intended to connect its established Off-Highway business with its growing presence in India's on-highway mobility market.

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Mumbai-headquartered leading carbon black manufacturer Epsilon Carbon has reported a 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions across its upstream transportation operations during FY2025–26. The reduction was achieved through the deployment of an electric and liquefied natural gas freight fleet.

An independent third party certified the emissions data. The reductions achieved in transport logistics equate to carbon absorption figures associated with approximately 29,000 trees. The verified figures allow supply chain partners to include these reductions within Scope 3 emissions reporting frameworks and environmental disclosures.

Gaurav Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Decarbonising logistics is central to our climate strategy. What makes this milestone meaningful is that the results are independently verified with a 10 percent reduction in CO2e emissions within the upstream transportation category over a single financial year, driven by the adoption of electric and LNG fleets. These carbon reductions strengthen our own sustainability disclosures and those of our customers, and we intend to scale this model across our supply chain.”

Following Phase 1 operations, Epsilon Carbon intends to expand the number of electric and LNG vehicles in its transport fleet during FY 2026–27 to scale low-carbon freight transport across its supply chain network.

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