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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Tana Oy has announced the appointment of Allan Bartholin Jacobsen as its new Territory Business Manager, effective 1 September 2026. He will be responsible for advancing the company’s international sales efforts, specifically concentrating on enhancing partnerships with dealers, identifying new avenues for growth and providing dedicated support to customers within designated regions.

Bringing over three decades of expertise in international sales and business development, Jacobsen joins the Finnish company from Eggersmann GmbH, where he managed sales strategies for recycling equipment across Europe and international markets. His previous roles involved cultivating dealer networks, expanding into new territories and driving sales performance in regions spanning Scandinavia, UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

This strategic hire underscores Tana’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its commercial operations and global outreach. The company continues to rely on its international dealer network to ensure localised service, deep market understanding and sustained operational benefits for waste management and recycling clients worldwide.

Gerd Schreier, VP – Sales, Marketing & Channel Development, Tana Oy, said, “Allan’s extensive industry knowledge, international experience, and proven ability to develop strong dealer partnerships make him a valuable addition to Tana. His experience in building markets and supporting distributors fits well with our ambition to grow closer to customers and create long-term value through our global dealer network.”

Jacobsen said, “I am excited to join Tana and become part of a company with a strong reputation for robust, intelligent waste management solutions. I look forward to working with Tana’s customers and dealers to support their business and help turn waste into value.”

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Dunlop Tires North America (DTNA) has named Matt Futrelle as its new Associate Vice President for the Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) division, effective 1 August 2026. The executive will assume leadership over the company’s TBR operations, directing strategic planning and growth initiatives while reinforcing the organisation’s dedication to high-quality products and service across the North American market.

Futrelle joins the role with over two decades of experience within the automotive aftermarket sector, recognised for his capabilities in leadership, operational efficiency and commercial expansion. His professional history includes building effective teams, cultivating strong client partnerships and implementing strategic frameworks that produce consistent, long-term performance outcomes for the businesses he has served.

Darren Thomas, CEO and President, DTNA, said, “Matt's leadership experience, industry expertise and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We are confident that his vision and customer-focused approach will help accelerate our growth in the TBR business and strengthen our position in the marketplace.”

Futrelle said, "I couldn't be more excited to join the Dunlop Tires North America team. We see significant opportunities to increase our participation in the North American Commercial Truck Tyre market bringing even more value to our commercial tire dealer and fleet partners. I am also happy to be a part of expanding the iconic Dunlop brand across North America. The brand holds a special place for me because I have such great memories growing up racing on Dunlop motocross tyres."

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Myers Industries has agreed to sell its Myers Tire Supply North America business to Lion Equity Partners for USD 30 million, as the US manufacturer sharpens its focus on engineered materials and core industrial markets.

The transaction, which has been completed, is subject to customary post-closing adjustments for cash, debt, net working capital and transaction expenses. The definitive agreement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The divestment marks a step in Myers’ strategy to reposition itself as a manufacturer of engineered resin and composite products serving infrastructure, industrial, consumer, food and beverage, and vehicle markets.

Aaron Schapper, President and Chief Executive of Myers Industries, said: “The completion of this transaction is a defining step in our ongoing transformation. By sharpening our focus on our core specialty engineered products, we are better positioned to drive long-term growth and create value for our shareholders.

“We also want to recognise the important role Myers Tire Supply has played throughout our history,” he added. “We are grateful for the dedication of the MTS team and the trusted relationships they have built with customers and the rest of the Myers team over many decades. We believe the business is well positioned for its next phase of growth under Lion Equity Partners’ ownership.”

Jim Levitas, Managing Partner at Lion Equity, said: “Myers Tire Supply has built a highly trusted brand through decades of exceptional service and commitment to its customers. We are excited to partner with the team to carry this legacy forward and support the company in its next chapter of growth.”

KeyBanc acted as exclusive financial adviser to Myers, while Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease served as legal adviser.

Founded in 1933, Myers Tire Supply distributes tools, equipment and supplies for the tyre, wheel and under-vehicle service industry across North America. The business employs 233 people, including 77 at its headquarters in Akron, Ohio, with the remainder working in sales roles and at four distribution centres.

Lion Equity Partners, based in Denver, focuses on corporate divestitures and special situations, aiming to create value through operational improvements, organic growth and acquisitions.

Myers Industries, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, manufactures plastic and metal products for a range of end markets, including consumer, vehicle, food and beverage, industrial and infrastructure.

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PCBL Chemical Limited has appointed Rohit Maindwal as Chief & Executive Director – Specialty Blacks and designated him as a senior management personnel, effective 20 August, 2026.

Maindwal brings around 32 years of industry experience. He holds a BTech in chemical engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal. His previous roles include positions at Reliance Industries Limited and JBF RAK LLC, where he most recently served as Senior Executive Vice-President at Reliance Industries Limited.

The company said the appointment is in a full-time capacity, with the term not separately specified.

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