Here is chit chat with Steffen Braune, Head of Products at TROESTER

Braune, you have been there for a quite long period in the extrusion business already. How has been the journey?

I started my career in the tyre industry more than 10 years ago. I began as a designer but changed very quickly to project engineer in the extrusion business. I was mainly responsible for Indian customers and due to the long period of time, a close relationship was build.

Where do you see your biggest challenge?

With the expansion in 2019, we increased our portfolio and have a huge variety of extrusion equipment for tyre and technical gum production. We are able to serve our customers with the best equipment for their requirements. Nevertheless, we are in the phase to standardise our products in order to have the best and first choice for our customers.

Do you see any trends in regard to your Indian customers?

We see the Indian rubber industry growing not only for their internal market but also in terms of export products to the EU or US (OE and replacement). As those tyres have to be labelled, this is bringing new requirements in terms of product quality and process stability. We can bring our bright experience and solutions as a benefit to our Indian customers, so that their operation is prepared for the correct supply. 

How about new developments to support?

We are optimising our extrusion portfolio every day. The components to be produced are getting thinner and different compounds are used. This has to be handled with care in the whole line supplied. The mechanical parts of the machine have to be perfect. 

Regarding the electrical and software components, we are putting more effort for ‘high sophisticated intelligence’ in our lines. The ‘TROESTER Analysing and Monitoring System (TAM-System)’ is a result of our research efforts in the past years. The system records different information of the extrusion equipment and helps our customers to get more analytics and AI software modules. We see this as the right answer and tool for the need of our customers who have more and more difficulties while finding operators with the skills required. 

Are you doing the same in the equipment supplied for the extrusion of technical gum parts?

Sure, let`s take as an example the extrusion of tubes. In the past years, TROESTER has developed the different heads further. We now have all the heads equipped with a measurement tool and a close loop control in order to have a constant centred wall thickness accuracy below 1/100 mm. By doing so, we have enabled our customers to have a high quality process under control with the reduction of usage of high sophisticated and very expansive compound.

Can you retrofit such systems?

Yes, all such solutions are able to be retrofitted.

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Tyre Runner has added Tyres Life to its marketplace network, expanding its wholesale offering for independent tyre retailers.

The partnership brings one of the UK’s fastest-growing tyre wholesalers onto Tyre Runner’s platform, which is designed to connect retailers with suppliers while allowing retailers to retain control over pricing and purchasing decisions.

Tyre Runner said the move comes as independent retailers face continued margin pressure and are seeking greater flexibility in how they source tyres. The company’s marketplace enables wholesale ordering from multiple suppliers through a single platform.

Tyres Life has established nationwide coverage from three warehouse locations and holds more than 100,000 tyres in stock. The company is the exclusive UK distributor of Lassa, Tomket and Waterfall, and also supplies brands including Pirelli, Continental, Goodyear and Michelin.

Founded in 2019 by Bryan MacMillan, a former Kwik Fit software engineer, Tyre Runner has developed from a tyre sales marketplace into a broader software platform focused on tyre health awareness, supply chain connectivity and digital tools for the tyre trade.

Bryan MacMillan, chief executive of Tyre Runner, said: “We’re delighted to add Tyres Life to our growing list of wholesale partners. This partnership exemplifies how our sales platform can connect high-quality wholesalers with independent retailers, helping both grow stronger together.

“The tyre market remains digitally immature, and to compete in an increasingly omnichannel world, online is just one part of the puzzle. Our mission has always been to empower the trade, not compete against it. That’s why we are focused on bringing a range of tools to market to help retailers compete better, not just online, but offline as well.”

Tommie Owens, commercial director at Tyres Life, said: “Tyre Runner opens reach like never before. Bryan and his team have a very clear vision for what the future of tyre retail will look like, and we’re excited to see Tyres Life’s products access even more markets efficiently.”

Tyre Runner said the addition of Tyres Life strengthens its marketplace model, which aims to streamline wholesale access while preserving retailer margins. The company added that the partnership aligns both businesses around shared priorities of efficiency, profitability and safety across the tyre supply chain.

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CarbonX has appointed Rohan Patel to its Advisory Board, gaining a distinguished strategist at a crucial phase of the company’s growth in sustainable battery materials. His profound understanding of regulatory frameworks and supply-chain strategy will directly support CarbonX’s collaborations with major cell manufacturers and its expansion of local, scalable production.

Patel’s career spans top-tier leadership in industry and government. He previously served as Vice President of global public policy and business development at Tesla, where he was part of the executive leadership team. Prior to his work in the private sector, he was a special assistant to the President and a senior advisor for climate and energy during the Obama Administration, shaping pivotal transportation and power sector policies while coordinating with state and local officials. His earlier contributions include roles at the White House Council on Environmental Quality and staff positions for political campaigns and elected officials.

Currently residing in Kensington, Maryland, Patel consults for global companies and nonprofits dedicated to decarbonisation. His appointment equips CarbonX with essential guidance for navigating complex policy landscapes and strengthening value chains in both the United States and European markets.

Rutger van Raalten, CEO, CarbonX, said, “With Patel’s extensive experience in global policy and deep understanding of Electric Vehicle and US regulatory landscapes, his guidance will be invaluable as we establish ourselves as a supplier of quality materials into US Giga factories and navigate US policy, battery-manufacturing regulations and emerging tariff frameworks.”

Patel said, “The team is strong, the technology is proven, US capacity is established and Tier-1 cell manufacturers in the US are taking notice. CarbonX’s disruptive supply-chain solution arrives at exactly the right time. Strengthening domestic supply chains for critical battery materials is essential, and I am pleased to support CarbonX’s mission to deliver local, scalable and sustainable solutions.”

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has appointed David Cichocki to the dual role of Managing Director for the Americas and Chief Sales Officer for the Americas Consumer business, effective 19 January 2026. He will report directly to CEO and President Mark Stewart. In these positions, Cichocki is tasked with enhancing sales execution and driving profitable growth for the consumer division across the region. His broader regional leadership duties will focus on strategic governance, operational excellence and ensuring financial performance aligns with Goodyear's global objectives.

Cichocki joins Goodyear with over 30 years of commercial expertise from prominent consumer and industrial brands. He previously served as Senior Vice President of US Sales at Whirlpool Corporation, where he managed a multi-billion dollar North American consumer business spanning several key sales channels. Prior to that, he held numerous senior roles during a more than 20-year tenure with Kraft Foods and Nabisco.

Mark Stewart, CEO and President, said, "Throughout his career, David has built high-performing teams and delivered strong, sustainable results through customer-centric, brand-driven strategies. His experience leading large organisations through transformation – including simplifying portfolios, modernising go-to-market models and designing sales strategies for profitable growth – closely aligns with the changes we are making at Goodyear to drive long-term success for our company and our customers."

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Marangoni has reinforced its OTR division as of January 2026 with the key hires of Eduard Mundt and Dominik Hörmann. Mundt will apply his extensive technical knowledge and industry experience to serve and build partnerships with OTR customers across Southern Germany. Hörmann, an expert in both OTR and TBR segments with specialised retreading knowledge, will oversee operations in Northern, Central and Western Germany, supporting the core OTR business and segments of the TBR market.

This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to deepening its local engagement with both dealers and end users. By enhancing direct customer relationships and fortifying its regional footprint, Marangoni aims to solidify and sustainably grow its standing in the market.

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