Pirelli Bosses: Work Expected to Start Over Weekend
Following a week of uncertainty for Pirelli’s workers in Burton and Carlisle, Pirelli’s management at the two facilities has stated that they are hopeful that work will restart over this weekend. The faulty boiler at the Carlisle facility meant that both sites needed to be cleared by inspectors before workers could return to the factories. Local press organisations have now confirmed that the managers have announced that both boilers have passed safety inspections and that the company would be contacting workers to notify them of individual shift arrangements.
Continue ReadingFinichi Launches the Firenze
Italian Wheel Designer Finichi has released its latest design. The Firenze features an ‘aggressive’ split spoke design and deep stainless steel lip that contrasts with the spokes, which can be specified in black or, for those wanting a look more in keeping with OEM fitments, hypersilver. The pseudo split-rim bolts, says Finichi, add a final finishing flourish.
Continue ReadingColumbian Opens Carbon Black Plant in Brazil
An inauguration celebration has been held for Columbian Chemicals’ latest carbon black manufacturing facility. Work on the new plant, located in Camaçari Pole, a chemical complex in Brazil’s Bahia state, began in September 2005, and the company notes this operation at Camaçari Pole incorporates the latest environmental and energy conservation technologies. The US$75 million facility has a production capability of 75,000 tonnes, which can be expanded as the market develops; two tyre factories using the end product operate in the region, one belonging to Bridgestone/Firestone and the other to Continental.
Continue ReadingAdded Safety and Convenience with Zeus Tyre Fillings
Globally, the use of ‘pneumatic tyre – aerial access platforms & telehandlers’ is growing, as are the heights and reaches of their telescopic booms. Consequently, the risk of a tyre blowout or puncture poses not only a serious safety risk, but also a costly and unnecessary interruption to operational efficiency. But fear not… Zeus Tyre Filling Systems says it now offers a solution to these problem, a solution that is both ‘proven and green’. Such hazards and interruptions can be avoided through having the tyres on such aerial access equipment completely filled with the company’s Polyfill Material – a component urethane compound, or its new, next generation Triofill tyre filling material, a component (rubber and urethane) compound.
Continue ReadingHamburg Distribution Centre Offers Vipal Further Opportunities
When Brazilian based retreading materials supplier Borrachas Vipal boosted its European market presence in 2005 with the opening of its first distribution centre, the company’s goal was to be one of the largest suppliers of tyre retreading and repair material on the continent, a brand recognised for the quality of its products. Vipal Europe believes this goal has been, three years later, well and truly reached, and confirmation of the company’s ever-stronger position in Europe can be witnessed through the establishment of a third distribution centre in the region.
Continue ReadingApollo Begins Quest for New Factory Site in Hungary, Slovakia
Apollo Tyres will begin its search for possible new sites for its European factory at the start of September. According to the company’s public relations agent in Hungary, sites both in Hungary and Slovakia will be considered. The site assessment process is expected to take several months, the agent said. Meanwhile, twenty-seven Hungarian towns have voiced an interest in hosting the tyre manufacturing facility. The trade promotion organisation International Trade and Development Hungary has forwarded information on a number of sites to the tyremaker’s Hungarian agency, and the level of direct contact it is receiving from local governments in Slovakia is increasing.
Continue ReadingMRF Flying High with New Aviation Tyre
Indian tyre manufacturer MRF is preparing to unveil its latest development, becoming the first company in the field from the country to produce an aviation tyre for defence aircraft. News sources report that MRF chairman and managing director K.K. Mammen stated on Thursday that, “The company’s tyre for Chetak helicopter has got the airworthiness certificate and negotiations are on for rolling out tyres for other defence aircraft.” Mammen also expressed the company’s hope that the government would partly fund the initiative, saying that the company would look to make aviation tyres at its Arokkonam facility near Chennai.
Continue ReadingPirelli Advise Workers: Contact Supervisors Friday
Following growing concerns amongst workers about the temporary closures of Pirelli’s plants in Burton and Carlisle – amid safety concerns over the buildings’ boilers – the Italian manufacturer has advised staff to contact their supervisors between 10am and 4pm tomorrow. Fears have grown that the 60 job cuts announced for the Carlisle plant last month could be followed up with more bad news when the two sites failed to reopen swiftly after the inspection of the boilers. Pirelli has stressed the importance of the safety of its workers throughout the temporary closure. A spokesman said today, “Following inspection of the affected boilers, a thorough cleaning process is underway. If all aspects of this process are successful, then we will be able to give further clarification on when the plant will resume production.” Workers look likely to find out tomorrow whether more bad news is to follow.
Continue ReadingAutomechanika 2008 Already Breaking Records
A record breaking 1,600 exhibitors have already confirmed to attend the fourth Automechanika Shanghai show to be held in Shanghai, China from Dec. 10-12, 2008. Hall space at the Shanghai New International Expo Center will increase 80% to 92,000 square meters, compared to last years 51,000 sqm. The show is also the worlds second largest Automechanika after Automechanika Frankfurt, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in September. Altogether, there are 13 Automechanika trade shows around the world. With more than 1,600 exhibitors from 17 countries for Shanghai we have already surpassed our 2007 figure of 1,250 exhibitors, said Fiona Chiew, group manager of trade fairs for Messe Frankfurt Hong Kong. We expect a final figure of 1,800 exhibitors, spread over eight halls and more than 30,000 visitors for the show this year. This reflects the tremendous interest in Chinas automobile industry and its automotive parts, equipment and service supplier sector. In line with the Automechanika global brand format, a complete range of products from low to high-end and basic to hi-tech will be displayed in five categories: Parts Systems, Accessories Tuning, Repair Maintenance, IT Management, and Service Station Car Wash. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingVeyance Appoints Gingo to Board
Veyance Technologies Inc., exclusive manufacturer of Goodyear Engineered Products, has appointed Joseph Gingo, chairman and CEO of A. Schulman Inc., to its governing board. The election of Mr. Gingo increases the size of Veyance’s board to seven. “Joe’s broad experience includes leading our business ten years ago when we were a division of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.,” said Veyance president and CEO Tim Toppen in a statement. “He fully understands our customer-focused, market-back business philosophy and the importance of innovative products and services.”
Continue ReadingBridgestone Bandag Honoured for Outstanding Delivery Services
In recognition of its 100 per cent on time delivery and 100 per cent delivery accuracy, Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions (BBTS) has received a Delivery Achievement Award from Hino Motors Manufacturing. The award acknowledges BBTS truck and bus tyre deliveries to Hino’s assembly plants in North America for 2007.
Continue ReadingNew Compound Improves Energy Efficiency in Tyres
ExxonMobil Chemical today announced the start-up of a manufacturing facility at its existing site in Pensacola, Fla., that provides new capacity for the production of a new tyre material technology that the company says can improve vehicle fuel efficiency. “Tyre inner liners made with the new material, Exxcore dynamically vulcanized alloy (DVA), achieve leading-edge air retention with less material. This reduces air loss between fillings and helps conserve energy and resources for future generations, said Art Sullivan, vice president of ExxonMobil Chemical Butyl Polymers Business. Specifically, Exxcore DVA enables better fuel economy from significantly improved tyre inflation pressure retention and improved rolling resistance, according to the company. If all vehicle tyres on the road in the U.S. had an IPR of 1.5%, it would represent a significant potential annual fuel savings of over 700 million gallons and a reduction in greenhouse gases of over 6 million tons per year, equivalent to taking over a million cars off the road. Exxcore(TM) DVA can help achieve these savings. ExxonMobil Chemicals development partner, Yokohama Rubber Co., plans to begin manufacturing tires with Exxcore DVA inner liners later this year. In addition, Cheng Shin Rubber Company, the manufacturer of the MAXXIS brand, plans to debut a higher-performance, lower-IPR tyre with the new inner liner material in 2009. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingBritish Pair Circle the Globe on Michelin Tyres
Two intrepid Brits, a Land Rover Discovery called ‘Rabia’ and Michelin’s A/T 4x4 tyres have completed an expedition that took in all corners of the world in a breathtaking display of longevity, durability and performance over an extraordinary range of surfaces and conditions. Peter and Eileen Crichton began long distance travelling in their ‘92 Land Rover in 1997 whilst based in the Middle East. With a penchant for exploration, their passion ultimately took them around the world twice on Michelin tyres, covering a total of 150,000km during 23 months on the road.
Continue ReadingRösler Group to be a “Total EM Tyre Management System Provider”
The path of development follows a natural course and is absolutely logical: First the Rösler group covered all facets of earthmover tyre retreading, then entered the original equipment market with the “Winstone” brand of new tyres – and now the company has taken the final step in regard to its range of products and services for mine and opencast pit end users. The company is already on target on its “way to being a Total EM Tyre Management System Provider,” says Klaus Mühlbäck, international business Vice President for ‘Rösler Tyre Innovators’; a company title that made its debut several months ago at the Essen tyre show.
Continue ReadingMotorcycle Tyre Manufacturers Launch New Round of Price Increases
Leading UK motorcycle tyre wholesaler, Bike Tyrestore reports that continuing volatility in two-wheel tyre prices have prompted manufacturers to announce another round of increases, due to spiralling raw material and fuel costs. The UK two-wheel market leader, Bridgestone, is raising motorcycle and scooter product prices by an average of 6 per cent on September 1, and on the same date Pirelli/Metzeler increase radial tyre prices by 5 per cent, 7 per cent for conventional lines and 3 per cent on scooter. Dunlop follow on September 15 with a 6 per cent hike and Avon are thought to be adding 5 per cent to their two-wheel tyre prices on October 1.
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