Tyre Technocrats extends its tyre management services to 27 locations across the country with its clientele comprising Tata Steel, Hindustan Zinc, Reliance, Gainwell, Larsen & Toubro, Essel Mining, Ultratech and others. The company also serves big players in Andhra Pradesh’s mining sector.

The tyre retreading market in the country has come a long way. From roadside retreaders resorting to conventional processes to major players bringing in imported machinery for more scientific operations, tyre retreading is no more an idea of the past. The glorious journey has been witnessed by a few from its starting days – Tyre Technocrats is one such retreader. The company also acts as a distributor for major tyre OEMs in the country. 

Founded in 1972 by Biman Das Talreja, Tyre Technocrats was initially associated with retreading truck tyres. Speaking about the company’s journey, Director Sahil Talreja said, “Our retreading operations started under the banner of Widget Tyre Retreaders while simultaneously serving as the dealer for CEAT tyres. Following the success in trucks, we forayed into OTR tyre retreading in 1984. Back then, the supply of OTR tyres was limited, and that affected the country’s mining sector. New tyres had to be imported, which was not feasible for many players in the sector.”

“Taking cognizance of the situation, we started retreading all sizes of tyres, striking a balance between supply and demand,” he said, adding, “From 1990, the company started distributing new wheels of Goodyear and continues distribution across the country.”

The company also has MRF, Bridgestone, Apollo and BKG tyres in its distribution portfolio. 

Explaining why the company didn’t take any franchise of retreading company, Talreja said, “Retreading companies in India, who work on the franchise model, are restricted to truck tyres. The companies retread 1020 and 1120 variants of tyres under the franchise model, which is an old concept. But our primary focus has always been OTR tyres with 95 percent of business dependent on this segment.”

Presently, Tyre Technocrats retreads tyres between 20 and 63 inches alongside the 1020 and 1120 models at its plant located in Udaipur. The company resorts to both cold and hot retreading processes to ensure quality and tyre life. 

The company uses both imported and indigenous machinery at its plant. According to the executive, Tyre Technocrats has imported two of its machines from Italy and Turkey. The Italian machine works on computer numerical control and can retread tyres ranging from 25 to 63 inches. The company uses auto clay machines, moulders to ensure quality for its customers. 

Talreja also informed that the company has its own testing lab to produce the tread rubber used in its processes. The company started production of pre-cured tread rubber in 1986. Presently, Tyre Technocrats manufactures 100 tonnes of tread rubber a month and retreads 1,100 rubber wheels. 

Speaking about the testing lab and ensuring the quality of pre-cured tread, the director stated, “The research and development facility, located within our main plant, is responsible for compounding and manufacturing the pre-cured tread rubber according to the requirements of the fleets that serve the mining sector. We have established eight parameters that ensure quality in our pre-cured tread.”

The company has been marketing its treads for the last two years and banks on customer satisfaction. Its manufacturing facility at Madri Industrial Area spans 180,000 square feet and features a state-of-the-art testing lab. 

Speaking on the facility’s eco-friendliness, Talreja explained, “The industry’s pollution footprints are a result of the carbon mixing. To reduce the carbon footprint, we have installed a machine for 100 percent closed manufacturing that emits 0.2 percent waste per 100 kg of rubber. Hence, the wastage is negligible. The plant has solar panels installed, which contributes to 60 percent of the power consumption.  

Commenting on the present scenario in the country’s retreading market, Talreja explained, “Following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the retreading market is gradually gaining momentum. But due to the inflation in rubber prices and the Russia-Ukraine war, the market is volatile. The prices of raw materials are increasing with each passing month. The price hike is also double of what it was six months ago. Even OEMs are refraining from hiking prices.”

“Again, the availability of raw materials like chemicals and synthetic rubber used in retreading, which was being imported from open markets in Europe and China, has been impacted heavily, creating a dearth. This has mainly been fuelled by a shortage of shipping containers and the exorbitant prices demanded by freight lines,” he added. 

Apart from its extensive business footprint in India, Tyre Technocrats also runs operations in Zambia. Speaking on the same, Talreja pointed out, “We are not into retreading in the East African country but extend tyre management services to KCM mining owned by Vedanta Group.” 

Talking about tyre management services, the executive informed, “We are the pioneer in India when it comes to tyre management services. We started operations in 2003 with Tata Steel in Jamshedpur. Since then, we have continued to successfully extend the service to different companies. The service comprises supplying new tyres to companies, their maintenance and providing manpower at the locations. Under the scheme, we are responsible for removal, fitment, checking inflation levels, check-ups etc. pertaining to tyre life and performance at the sites.”

“The worn-out tyres are brought back to our facility for retreading and again fitted in the dumpers. A team is always present at the client’s site to look after the tyres,” he added. 

The company extends its tyre management services to 27 locations across the country with its clientele comprising Tata Steel, Hindustan Zinc, Reliance, Gainwell, Larsen & Toubro, Essel Mining, Ultratech and others. The company also serves big players in Andhra Pradesh’s mining sector. The company has a vast presence in the Indian mining sector . 

“We have recently forayed into haul road maintenance wherein we develop tyres for underground mining operations. We have our own loaders, compactors, graders used in the operations and also supply tyres on a cost-per-hour basis. We also manufacture patches for cut repairs,” Talreja informed. 

Speaking on the company’s future plans, Talreja informed, “We are entering into manufacturing of solid tyres. We have installed the machinery and the production unit is also nearing completion. We will start operations post-July.”  

Tyre Technocrats has an employee base of 1,200. 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Michelin has introduced the MICHELIN Primacy 5 in India, marking a pivotal development for the tyre manufacturer as it represents the first passenger car tyre produced locally by the company. This new premium offering is specifically engineered for sedans and sport utility vehicles, signifying an important progression in Michelin’s operational footprint within the Indian automotive market.

The latest tyre is designed to accommodate the varied powertrains present in the contemporary automotive landscape, serving internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrids and electric vehicles equally. Through the application of sophisticated tread pattern optimisation and next-generation rubber compounds, the Primacy 5 aims to provide a balance of enduring safety, ride comfort, responsive handling and enhanced energy efficiency.

Performance metrics for the new tyre demonstrate substantial advancements in safety and durability. Compared to its direct competitors, the Primacy 5 offers considerably shorter wet braking distances for both new and worn tyres, along with improved dry braking performance. It also provides an eight percent increase in overall mileage over its predecessor, the Primacy 4ST, achieved through the integration of EverTread and EverGrip technologies that sustain grip throughout the tyre’s lifespan. Additionally, the tyre sets a new standard for ride comfort with a nine percent better comfort score than rivals, attributed to a noise-attenuating tread pattern, while also delivering a six and a half percent improvement in energy efficiency.

Having received the Tyre of the Year 2025 accolade at the Tire Technology International Awards, the Primacy 5 is slated for commercial release starting August 2026. Upon launch, it will be accessible to customers through Michelin’s own retail network and a nationwide distribution channel of approximately 800 authorised dealers.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “India’s premium mobility landscape is evolving rapidly with growing demand for high-performance, safe and sustainable tyre solutions across sedans, SUVs and electric vehicles. The launch of the Made-in-India MICHELIN Primacy 5 marks a significant milestone for Michelin in the country and reflects our commitment to delivering products that are tailored to the needs of Indian consumers. Manufactured in India for Indian drivers, the Primacy 5 has been developed and tested on the vehicles most driven in the country, benchmarked against leading competitors, and validated by an independent testing agency. By combining Michelin’s latest global tyre technologies with local manufacturing expertise, the Primacy 5 is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving expectations of Indian motorists for superior safety, longer tyre life, enhanced comfort, energy efficiency and everyday performance. India continues to be a key growth market for the Michelin Group, and as we expand our retail presence and strengthen our manufacturing and service ecosystem in the country, we remain committed to bringing world-class mobility solutions closer to our customers while contributing to India's manufacturing ambitions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

VMI has secured the prestigious EcoVadis Platinum Medal, the highest possible distinction within the internationally recognised sustainability benchmark. This coveted recognition positions the Dutch company within the top one percent of all enterprises evaluated globally, a ranking determined by rigorous analysis of environmental practices, ethical conduct, labour and human rights standards and sustainable procurement policies.

This year’s Platinum accolade represents a significant advancement from the Gold rating VMI earned in 2025, underscoring a dedicated trajectory of enhanced corporate responsibility. The upgraded status highlights the organisation’s persistent drive to elevate its ecological and social governance benchmarks beyond its previous high standards.

The momentum behind this elevated rating stems from several key corporate initiatives launched over the past year. These include the institution of the enterprise-wide ‘We green it together’ programme, designed to empower diverse teams to achieve specific sustainability objectives, alongside the formal adoption of the VMI Sustainability Manifesto, which articulates long-term aspirations. The recent publication of the 2025 Sustainability Report further complements these efforts by transparently detailing the company’s measurable progress against its established targets.

Harm Voortman, President and CEO of VMI Group, said, “Receiving the EcoVadis Platinum Medal is a proud milestone for VMI and we share this medal with all our employees around the world. This recognition reflects the progress we have made in integrating sustainability into every aspect of our business. From designing more sustainable machines together with our customers to working closely with our suppliers, we continue to improve the sustainability of both our products and our operations. While we are proud to have progressed from Silver to Gold and now Platinum, we see this as a milestone in our journey to build a sustainable future.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, played a central role in the season’s pivotal Japanese double-header. As the official race tyre for all competitors, the company’s iON Race compound was put to the test under extreme and shifting conditions during Rounds 14 and 15 of Season 12 at the 2026 TDK Tokyo E-Prix.

The weekend’s on-track action produced two dramatic winners. CUPRA KIRO’s Dan Ticktum snatched victory in Round 14 with a last-corner overtake on Jake Dennis, while Nick Cassidy completed the podium. The following day, Mahindra Racing’s Nyck de Vries claimed Round 15, finishing ahead of Cassidy and Dennis, who secured second and third respectively. The entire paddock also observed a period of remembrance for the late Cyril Blais.

The 2.575-kilometre temporary circuit, featuring 18 corners and situated around Tokyo Big Sight, hosted its first-ever night races, drastically altering track conditions from practice to competition. Unstable weather compounded the challenge, with a Sunday thunderstorm cancelling Free Practice 3 and leaving a damp, drying surface for Round 15 that demanded constant adaptation in tyre warm-up and strategy.

Throughout the weekend, Hankook’s iON Race tyre demonstrated reliability across the evolving grip levels and temperature swings. Following the Tokyo results, Dennis retains the championship lead with 146 points, narrowly ahead of Mitch Evans and Pascal Wehrlein. The title battle remains fiercely contested and will be resolved at the season-ending Hankook London E-Prix double-header on 15–16 August.

Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director, Hankook Motorsport, said, “Bringing Formula E night racing to Tokyo for the first time made this a distinctive weekend and one of the more unusual tyre assignments of our season. The contrast between afternoon running and the 20:05 races shaped how teams prepared for both events, and the iON Race managed that transition and the changing weather conditions well, delivering consistent and predictable performance as the circuit cooled through the evening.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tegeta Green Planet recently contributed to the ‘Circular Future’ green camp, an environmental education initiative organised by CENN and funded by the European Union. The camp, which hosted 23 teenagers from the Adjara and Kakheti regions, was designed to deepen ecological understanding, advocate for waste-free systems, and inspire long-term behavioural change among the next generation.

Throughout the week-long gathering, young attendees engaged with forward-thinking methods for minimising refuse, prolonging product life cycles and improving separation and recovery processes. Interactive workshops translated abstract circular economy theories into tangible daily actions, equipping participants with the know-how to conserve materials and shrink their personal environmental toll.

A noteworthy component of the programme occurred on 22 July, when a specialised seminar titled ‘Circular Economy: Waste Reduction and Recycling for Public Health’ was convened. Co-hosted by Tegeta Green Planet, the UNDP and the Waste Management Business Association, the seminar examined the intersection of ecological integrity and human well-being, illustrating how robust recycling systems directly benefit community health outcomes.

Closing the day’s agenda, Tegeta Green Planet’s Director, Shalva Akhvlediani, offered an in-depth look at the Extended Producer Responsibility model currently unfolding in Georgia. He traced the journey of end-of-life vehicle components – from used tyres and spent lubricants to depleted batteries – through collection, transport and reprocessing channels. Akhvlediani also highlighted his organisation’s network of over 350 domestic producers and importers, stressing that youth education remains a cornerstone of their mission. The floor was then opened for a lively exchange, where students posed probing questions, debated local environmental dilemmas and floated their own grassroots suggestions, reinforcing the message that responsible resource use begins with informed individual choices.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!