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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Discount Tire has earned a prominent position on Glassdoor's Best Places To Work 2026 list, ranking 14th in Consumer Services and within the top 100 US employers. This distinction is awarded to organisations with over 1,000 employee reviews on Glassdoor and a minimum rating of 3.5. For the Scottsdale-based retailer, with more than 1,250 locations nationally, the honour underscores a long-standing commitment to its workforce.

The company cultivates a people-first culture for its over 30,000 employees by providing substantial career growth, thorough training, leadership development and competitive benefits. This philosophy, centred on serving others and empowering personal goals, previously earned Discount Tire top Glassdoor rankings from 2018 through 2021. The latest recognition reaffirms its status as an employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and progressive workplace.

Dean Muglia, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We treat our people like family. We're honoured to be recognised by both current and former employees and Glassdoor as a best place to work. We strive every day to deliver the most inviting, easy and safe experience possible for our people and our customers."

Michael Zuieback, Executive Chairman, said, "Through six and a half decades of growth, our primary commitments have stayed true: We want to take care of people and help make more dreams come true.”

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Radar Tyres has entered a significant, multi-year global partnership with Cricket South Africa, a strategic move to build its brand within a sport enjoyed by a worldwide audience. This alliance grants the company headline sponsorship for the Proteas Men’s and Women’s T20 International sides, alongside associate partnership status for their ODI and Test matches. Radar will also be the headline partner for South Africa’s Under-19 national teams.

The collaboration provides substantial visibility, featuring exclusive logo placement on both match and training kits, with the new T20I apparel already unveiled. For Radar, this investment is a key step in leveraging high-profile platforms to enhance global brand recognition, all while maintaining its commitment to providing high-quality, value-driven tyre products.

G S Sareen, President and CEO, Omni United, said, "Becoming the Global Partner of the Proteas marks a significant milestone in Radar Tyres' global brand journey and reflects our belief in sport as a powerful platform to build brand equity, strengthen dealer support, enhance trust and credibility and connect with households worldwide. Through this partnership, we are able to engage with cricket fans both locally and globally while reinforcing Radar Tyres' as a reliable, performance-driven brand committed to delivering premium-performance at an accessible price point."

Pholetsi Moseki, Chief Executive Officer, CSA, said, "CSA is extremely proud to partner with Radar Tyres, an organisation that shares our values and commitment to excellence. This partnership is a significant milestone, securing support not only for our senior teams but for our junior teams as well. This partnership reflects our deliberate approach to working with like-minded organisations, guided by a long-term vision of developing the game, supporting our players and delivering memorable experiences for fans. Radar Tyres' support also reinforces CSA's commitment to excellence and inclusion, strengthening our ability to drive high performance across all levels."

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For the second consecutive year, the Alliance for the Future of Tyres (AZuR) has been shortlisted for the German Award for Sustainability Projects, following its 2025 win. This renewed nomination underscores the jury’s recognition of AZuR as a pioneering force in sustainability, particularly for its dedicated efforts to advance tyre retreading as a core component of a circular economy. The 2026 award ceremony will be held under the patronage of Brigitte Zypries on 17 September in Berlin.

AZuR’s multifaceted initiative extends well beyond theoretical advocacy. Its work gained significant international attention with the Retreading Summit, held in September 2025 at KRONE Trailer in Werlte. This event convened experts from industry, politics, academia and media for two days of intensive dialogue on the potential, challenges and necessary policy frameworks for tyre modernisation, leading to the launch of concrete action plans. Furthermore, the alliance drives progress through strategic communications and direct support for flagship projects, such as the new passenger car tyre retreading facility established by Rigdon in Pfaffenhofen.

Central to AZuR’s mission is transforming public perception by demonstrating that worn tyres are valuable resources, not waste. Through ongoing awareness campaigns, it highlights the substantial ecological and economic benefits of retreaded tyres, which can be refurbished multiple times to conserve raw materials, reduce climate impact and offer cost-effective solutions. The German Award for Sustainability Projects, judged by a panel chaired by Prof Dr Claudia Kemfert of DIW Berlin, evaluates entries based on their innovation, impact and relevance to a sustainable future. AZuR’s repeated shortlisting affirms that its model for a tyre circular economy is a replicable and exemplary system with groundbreaking potential.

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Seasoned tyre industry executive Manish Maharaj has embarked on a new professional chapter, joining Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT Tires) in a senior leadership capacity after a distinguished 11-year tenure with Apollo Tyres Ltd.

In his new role at BKT Tires, Maharaj has been appointed General Manager and Head of Business Finance, where he will focus on enhancing financial strategy, driving performance-driven growth, and building scalable systems to support BKT’s global expansion ambitions.

“I am thrilled to begin a new chapter with BKT Tires,” said Maharaj.

Maharaj’s career at Apollo spanned multiple strategic roles in one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, most recently serving as Regional Chief Financial Officer for South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and later as Business Head for South East Asia. In these capacities, he led multi-market commercial and financial operations, driving robust business performance across diverse cultural and economic environments.

At Apollo, Maharaj was responsible for charting growth strategies in fast-evolving markets, strengthening distributor partnerships, and reinforcing brand positioning across key ASEAN economies. His leadership coincided with initiatives to expand premium brand presence in Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines & South Korea and foster deeper retail engagement across the ASEAN region.

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