Smithers Promotes REACH Seminars
With the 30 November 2010 deadline fast approaching, Smithers is promoting its series of compliance seminars. According to the testing and research organisation, for many months attention has been focussed on the submission of lead registration dossiers to ECHA. However a new harmonised system for the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP) has brought with it equally demanding deadlines.
Continue ReadingBirmingham Show to Host Tyre Munching Panther
In the past T&A has reported on a cheetah snacking on tyres in a Cambridgeshire backyard – see our November 2008 story for details of this surreal occurrence – and now we’ve caught wind of a panther heading in our direction. This particular creature also chomps readily upon the black rubber objects, yet there is no cause for concern….rather than being a zoo escapee, the panther in question is a boon for the tyre recycling industry.
Continue ReadingEuro Car Parts Now Stocks Rema Tip Top Repairs
Euro Car Parts (ECP) now stocks what is described as “a comprehensive range of tyre repair materials” from Rema Tip Top. According to a statement released by ECP, Rema Tip Top complements the ECP strategy to offer a wider range of consumables and offer an even greater service to its customers. Rema Tip Top UK Ltd has been operating for over 50 years and offers a wide range of automotive consumables and equipment, ranging from valve hardware and balance weights, to chemicals tools and accessories.
Continue ReadingSimon Tattersall Appointed ATS Euromaster Head of National Truck
ATS Euromaster has appointed Simon Tattersall as Head of National Truck, reporting directly to Peter Fairlie, Group Sales Director. Tattersall has worked for with parent company Michelin for 28 years, based at their headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent. In his most recent role he was Business Development Manager for Michelin Fleet Solutions and Sales Manager, responsible for the company’s original equipment sales to trailer manufacturers in the UK and Nordic countries. Commenting on his appointment, Tattersall said: “My primary focus as Head of National Truck is to continue building on the success ATS Euromaster has enjoyed over the last two years, during which it has won major contracts with customers including Eddie Stobart, Suttons and Gist.
Continue ReadingTIA Seeks a Presidential Thumbs-Down on Proposed Tariffs
The Tire Industry Association has reiterated its position regarding Chinese tyres and duties upon them in a letter sent to US President Obama. The TIA has urged the President to reject the recommendation for duties of up to 55 per cent on passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyres, as voted upon by the US International Trade Commission on June 29. A copy of this letter was also sent to the United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk. In the letter, the TIA argued that the ITC proposed tariffs will not protect US manufacturing jobs and will result in higher prices and fewer choices for customers. It also addressed the possibility of safety issues arising should consumer access to affordable tyres be restricted.
Continue ReadingTrade Group Launch Trademaster T1035
Trademaster recently launched the T1035, hydraulic, two-post car lift, which the company believes will “take the market by storm.” Trade Group spokesman Terry Bullworthy explained: “The Trademaster T1035 is…[an] open top, base type lift, with a 3.5 tonne lifting capacity that has been designed and developed specifically for Trade Group. Importantly, it is has ‘traceable CE approval’ and is manufactured and built to our exacting standards to ensure that safety, quality and reliability are paramount. We believe the Trademaster T1035 is the most cost-effective entrant into the world of two column hydraulic lifts, it has rugged construction, three-stage support arms and ergonomic control allows for safe, easy and efficient operation in the garage workshop.”
Continue ReadingScorpion Introduces Exhaust System for Focus ST
Those with a penchant for modifying their ‘motor’ have long cast a favourable eye upon the Ford Focus ST. Early examples of the hot hatch are now emerging from their warranty window – and Scorpion is ready and waiting with its Focus ST sports exhaust system. The exhaust manufacturer reports it has created a 63mm diameter system that perfectly balances optimum gas flow with the required back-pressure to keep the turbo spinning ‘on song’ throughout the rev range.
Continue ReadingRaybestos Taps Police Veteran as Brake Consultant
Retired cop Ronnie Faison has joined Raybestos as technical consultant and official spokesperson for the new Raybestos Police Braking System. Faison served for 35 years as equipment superintendent for the North Carolina Highway Patrol, managing one of the largest police fleets in the country, Raybestos said. “The North Carolina Highway Patrol was involved in countless research and development tests with Raybestos product engineers at our driver training facility,” said Faison. “They are constantly striving to improve their product and that’s why Raybestos police brakes have always outperformed the competition, and why the new complete Police Braking System from Raybestos will perform unlike anything else in the fleet industry.” In his new role, Faison’s responsibilities will include everything from product development and testing to public speaking engagements and appearing in Raybestos product spotlights and ads. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingCentury Textiles Resumes Rayon Tyre Yarn Production
Following a half-year pause, India’s Century Textiles & Industries Ltd has resumed the production of rayon tyre yarn at its factory in Kalyan, Maharashtra state. Production had been suspended in February due to market conditions, and the decision to resume production on July 1 means that overall annual production capacity will fall about 12 per cent, as opposed to the previously estimated 25 per cent. The company states, however, that ongoing market conditions may necessitate further decisions being taken.
Continue ReadingSafety Scholars Finalists Set, Voting Begins
The top ten finalists have been selected in the 2009 Bridgestone Americas Safety Scholars video contest, and now consumers get their chance to vote. The national competition challenges 16- to 21-year-old drivers to create short videos about automotive safety or making eco-conscious decisions when operating a vehicle. The finalists were selected by a panel of judges from 817 entries received by Bridgestone Americas. The top ten videos are now posted at safetyscholars.com for online voting until 3 August. Votes will determine the three grand prize winners who will be announced on 10 August. Finalists’ videos are also available for viewing on social networking sites including Facebook, YouTube and MySpace. The grand prize winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a set of new Bridgestone or Firestone tyres, and their winning videos may be used on TV stations nationwide as part of a public service announcement campaign. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue Reading91 Laid off from Bridgestone Factory in US
Further layoffs have been announced at a Bridgestone facility in the US following a week-long shutdown. An additional 91 employees at the OTR tyre factory in Bloomington, Illinois were laid off on July 12, four months after 67 of their colleagues were let go. The company expects to re-hire 40 of these workers on August 1, however it comments that due to inventory levels and industry demand, 19 workers will also be laid off on August 15.
Continue ReadingMaxam OTR and High Speed Crane Tyres to be Displayed at CITExpo
Produced by Mai (Shandong) Radial Tyre, a subsidiary of the Italian Mai Group, Maxam tyres boast an “advanced” range of all steel radial OTR products which play an important role in accelerating the group’s market development strategy, both in the local market and for global export. Mai (Shandong) Radial Tyre Company is headquartered in Shandong Province, China and says that it possesses a “technically-advanced radial tyre manufacturing plant with a highly skilled workforce.” Mai has manufacturing plants in Asia and Europe, enabling the fast development of heavy duty, application-specific products for divergent markets. All its products are available through the Maxam dealer network. The company will be exhibiting the Maxam range in booth 2828.
Continue ReadingTyre Industry Organisations Working with HSE to Reduce Injuries
Musculoskeletal disorders, which often arise from poor manual handling practice, are the most common cause of occupational ill health in Britain and currently affect a million people a year – and they are said to cost the nation some £5.7 billion. The need to increase awareness of such risks amongst tyre industry employees has prompted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to team up with the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) and the British Tyre Manufacturers Association (BTMA). It is hoped this three-way cooperation can inform workers of potential dangers and reduce the number of injuries caused each year.
Continue ReadingCITExpo: Teijin Aramid Aiming to Become Leading Aramid Supplier
Teijin Aramid will be continuing to pursue its aim of becoming the leading and preferred aramid supplier from booth 3106 at CITExpo. Its products include Twaron, the synthetic fibre made from aramid polymer, which can be found in a comprehensive range of products including protective clothing, ballistic vests and helmets, tyres, hoses, composites, conveyor belts, optical fibre cables, transmission belts, gaskets, brake linings and clutch facings. The company says that it anticipates sustained across-the-board expansion in all sectors. In the tyre industry, Teijin Aramid provides Twaron- and Technora-dipped tyre cord and anti-puncture fabric for tyre reinforcement. It also provides Technora-dipped chopped fibre and Sulfron product for tyre compounds. Teijin Aramid is a member of the Teijin Group, a global, technology-driven company, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of $4.2 billion. Teijin’s consolidated turnover amounts to $8.5 billion. It has approximately 19,000 employees worldwide.
Continue ReadingMaxxis Rewards Top PCR Tyre Retailers
Maxxis has completed its second Maxxis Rewards prize draw, giving 13 tyre retailers £500 worth of gift vouchers from either Marks & Spencer, Thomas Cook or High Street Gift Vouchers, which they can spend at more than 18,000 stores across the UK, including Boots, HMV, Debenhams, Waterstone’s, M&S, House of Fraser, Carphone Warehouse and Threshers. Under the terms of the Maxxis Rewards initiative, the more Maxxis car, van and 4x4 tyres that accredited retailers purchase during the promotional period, the greater their chances of winning a major prize. The Maxxis Rewards dealer support programme has been organised in conjunction with Grouptyre, the exclusive Maxxis distributor in the UK. Dealers who sign up are automatically entered into the quarterly prize draws, which run until 11 December. Based on their purchase levels, retailers also have the opportunity to earn Argos vouchers and Maxxis-branded promotional clothing and accessories. The winning tyre dealers and Grouptyre members who supply them are: Auchinlea Tyres (dealer) - Cooper Bros. (Grouptyre member) Baker Tyres - Broadway Tyres Baldonrie Garage - Kenway Tyres Carmarthenshire Tyre Services Ltd - King David Tyres DIY Motorist Centre - WJ Wood & Son Holderness Tyre Services Ltd - BAB Distribution Hometyre Services - Car Tyrestore Homend Tyres - ETB K&M UK Ltd - EG Wholesale Leeds Commercial Vehicles - NE Wholesale Lurgan Tyre Company - MT Wholesale Tyre Care Ltd T/A Havers Tyres - We Sell Tyres (Wholesale) Wheels ‘n’ Tyres - Oak Tyres
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