The global demand for efficiency and precision in tyre manufacturing has reached unprecedented levels, and VIPO a.s., a pioneer in advanced bead winding technology, has delivered a game-changing solution: the LIHEXAL 8 – octuple head single wire bead winding machine (production of 8 beads per cycle). Designed specifically for the production of PCR (Personal Car Radial) tyres, this latest innovation epitomises cutting-edge research and development, coupled with decades of expertise in rubber and wire applications.

A LEAP FORWARD IN BEAD MANUFACTURING

The LIHEXAL 8 sets a new benchmark for bead winding machines, enabling the simultaneous production of up to eight beads per cycle. This state-of-the-art machine accommodates bead diameters ranging from 13” to 24.5” and cross-sections in both hexagonal and rectangular profiles.

The latest model of VIPO’s bead winding machine significantly reduces production time while maintaining consistent quality. The result is an increased beads output, minimised downtime and improved profitability for tyre manufacturers around the globe.

INNOVATION AT EVERY STEP

The LIHEXAL 8 redefines bead production with cutting-edge sensing and automation technologies. It offers real-time monitoring of material levels and predictive maintenance, ensuring seamless operations. Precision is at its core, measuring key variables like wire temperature, rubberisation and other parameters to guarantee beads of impeccable quality. Its advanced festooner system with independent pulleys allows precise control of wire tension and pressure, adapting effortlessly to unique production needs. Meanwhile, the upgraded bead winding station delivers unparalleled accuracy and speed, producing one bead every two seconds with flawless consistency.

VIPO’s innovations go beyond speed – they deliver reliability. With every cycle, manufacturers achieve premium-quality beads, securing their competitive advantage in the tyre industry.

GROUNDBREAKING WRAPPING TECHNOLOGY

One of the most notable features of the LIHEXAL 8 is its integrated bead wrapping system. In collaboration with the world’s best wrapping tapes suppliers, VIPO has developed a high-performance wrapping solution that applies tape to bead ends simultaneously without affecting the machine’s cycle time. With a machine autonomy and real-time verification of tape application, this system guarantees optimal quality and consistency.

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

Rooted in the legacy of Tomáš Bata’s historic town, VIPO a.s. has been at the forefront of rubber and wire technology for over 50 years. Combining generational expertise with cutting-edge innovation, VIPO proudly serves the world’s leading tyre manufacturers – partners who trust its solutions to deliver excellence. This enduring trust drives VIPO to continuously push the boundaries of innovation, with gratitude to its customers as the foundation of its success.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, UNMATCHED RELIABILITY

From installation and training to continuous support and machine optimisation, VIPO ensures that clients harness the full potential of the LIHEXAL 8. This exceptional level of service, combined with the machine’s unparalleled performance, makes it a cornerstone for modern, efficient and premium tyre manufacturing. Moreover, the LIHEXAL 8’s unmatched reliability and advanced automation significantly reduce human intervention, paving the way for streamlined operations and optimised production workflows.

WHY EVERY TYRE MANUFACTURER NEEDS THE LIHEXAL 8

The LIHEXAL 8 isn’t just a machine – it’s a revolution in tyre manufacturing. With precision, flexibility and speed, it meets the demand for high-quality beads while driving down costs and enhancing efficiency. Designed to adapt to each customer’s unique needs, it’s the ultimate solution for modern production challenges.

More than a supplier, VIPO is the trusted partner and committed to its clients’ success. The LIHEXAL 8, as well as the other VIPO equipment and services isn’t just about transforming production – it’s about empowering your business to lead in a competitive market.

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Birla Carbon, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality carbon materials, has been awarded the prestigious Platinum sustainability rating by EcoVadis, ranking it within the top one percent of all assessed companies globally. This honour recognises the firm’s enterprise-wide leadership in integrating sustainability across its operations, innovation and value chain.

The evaluation specifically commended its strong performance across four key areas: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. This achievement is further validated by extensive third-party certifications, with over 75 percent of operations certified to international standards including ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001, SA8000 and ISO 27001, underscoring the consistency and strength of its sustainability management systems.

John Loudermilk, President and CEO, Birla Carbon, said, “This Platinum rating reflects the steady progress we are making in embedding sustainability at the core of our business. Our growth strategy is geared towards delivering sustainability through innovation, operational excellence and responsible practices across our global footprint. We continually invest in sustainability and circularity-driven processes, keeping our operations sustainably efficient while creating long-term value for our customers, partners, communities and employees. Our sustainability strategy, Share the Future, serves as a roadmap to a sustainable future and guides our actions towards our aspiration of reaching net zero carbon emissions over the next 25 years. Being recognised among the top one percent of companies globally is a testament to the commitment of our teams worldwide.”

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. recently conducted an educational seminar for local natural rubber farmers in partnership with the Surat Thani branch of the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT). This marked the 10th such event since the programme's inception in 2020, involving 50 local farm households. Attendees received complimentary fertiliser, developed with RAOT's expertise, as part of the ongoing support.

The seminar curriculum covered essential agricultural topics, including soil and plant nutrition, correct fertiliser application and methods to prevent contamination in natural rubber. To commemorate the 10th seminar, the programme was expanded to include guest speakers from local government, police and healthcare. These guests addressed broader community and safety issues, such as human rights for foreign and minority workers, road safety and occupational health. A particular focus was placed on practical well-being, with the local hospital director offering guidance on preventing injuries during tree tapping and managing encounters with poisonous insects.

Post-event feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed that they gained new, systematic knowledge about cultivation practices, despite years of experience. Several noted that hearing directly from a rubber manufacturer reinforced the critical importance of purity in their product. Others found the health and safety advice immediately useful. The engaging delivery of the seminar was also highlighted, with one farmer mentioning a desire to recommend the valuable and enjoyable experience to peers.

This initiative is a direct implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Yokohama Rubber and RAOT in January 2020. The MoU focuses on economic support for farmers and improving supply chain traceability, aligning with the company's Procurement Policy for Sustainable Natural Rubber. Hosted in the region where Yokohama’s Thai natural rubber processing subsidiary, Y.T. Rubber Co., Ltd. (YTRC), operates, the seminar exemplifies the policy's guideline to support small-scale farmers within the supply chain.

As a founding member of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), Yokohama Rubber is committed to advancing these principles. The company views such efforts as integral to creating shared value under its sustainability slogan, ‘Caring for the Future’, and contributes to broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through the promotion of sustainable raw material procurement.

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In a significant event for India’s rubber sector, Minister for Ports, Co-operation & Devaswoms V N Vasavan inaugurated a ceremony for the transfer of innovative latex-based paint technology. This eco-friendly paint, a product derived from natural rubber, was developed by the Rubber Products Incubation Centre of the Rubber Research Institute of India. The technology was formally handed over to Kerala Paints Industries Private Ltd., with the Minister highlighting the event's historic nature for launching a sustainable product and stressing the importance of increasing domestic natural rubber consumption to improve grower returns.

Rubber Board Executive Director M Vasanthagesan outlined the centre's role in converting research into market-ready goods, reaffirming the Board's dedication to creating innovative, value-added rubber products. The gathering also heard remarks from several key figures, including Mahatma Gandhi University's K V Dayal, RRII Director Dr Debabrata Ray, RRII Senior Scientist Dr Shera Mathew and Kerala Paints' Managing Director Midhun P Pullumettel.

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has released its Monthly NR Statistical Report for November 2025, providing an overview of key developments in the global natural rubber sector.

While a modest rise in global production of 1.3 percent is anticipated for the year, this follows a revised, lower output forecast for Indonesia. Concurrently, worldwide demand is projected to grow by a more subdued 0.8 percent, bolstered by an upward adjustment in Indonesia's own consumption figures.

Recent price pressures have emerged due to this combination of uncertain supply, influenced by unpredictable weather patterns and generally muted demand. However, there are sporadic positive indicators, including noticeable recoveries within the tyre sector across some regional markets.

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