KraussMaffei has concluded its three-day TechCenter Days 2025 event, drawing approximately 350 international customers to its headquarters in Parsdorf.

The customer event, held from March 31 to April 2 under the motto “Innovation meets technology,” featured expert presentations, plant tours, and demonstrations of injection moulding technologies, automation systems, and additive manufacturing solutions.

Visitors experienced 15 technology exhibits showcasing innovations in sustainable manufacturing, including the company’s ColorForm, FiberForm, and SilcoSet technologies, alongside the newly introduced LRXplus robot and large-format PowerPoint 3D printer.

“We took a lot of positive ideas with us and are looking forward to collaborative projects. The event was perfectly organised, and the catering was fantastic; we will be happy to come back,” said Stefan Meßner, Head of Strategic Procurement at GIWA GmbH.

Fernando Moniz, Advanced Engineering Director at GLN Advanced Solutions S.A., added: “On behalf of GLN, I would like to thank you all for the wonderful TechCenter Days at your premises. The TechCenter Days exceeded my expectations, and my only regret is that the time flew by.”

Company officials reported particularly positive feedback from returning international customers, who noted significant improvements compared to previous editions of the event.

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Falken Tyre Europe GmbH is reshaping its summer tyre portfolio in response to shifting automotive trends on the continent, with a significant expansion planned for 2026. The updated lineup directly addresses the growing dominance of SUVs – which now represent 54 percent of new car registrations – and the accelerating shift towards electrification, with battery-electric vehicles holding a 17.5 percent market share in the first half of 2025. These developments have created heightened demand for larger tyre sizes and increased load capacities to accommodate heavier vehicle weights and the instant torque delivery of electric powertrains, all while preserving ride comfort and safety.

A key element of this enhanced portfolio is the AZENIS FK520, which now encompasses a broader array of larger rim diameters and wider footprints to suit both premium SUVs and high-performance automobiles. Its construction continues to emphasise a balance of strength and weight efficiency, incorporating reinforcement materials that support stability during demanding cornering and braking manoeuvres on dry tarmac. This approach ensures that drivers of heavier, more powerful vehicles can still experience precise handling characteristics.

For the rapidly expanding segment of battery-electric and hybrid vehicles, the e. ZIEX line has been developed to address their unique operational requirements. New size additions cater directly to popular electric models, while original equipment approval for Audi Q6 e-tron underscores its suitability for modern EV platforms. The tyre’s engineering focuses on extending range and durability through a carefully designed tread structure that promotes uniform pressure distribution, thereby reducing internal resistance and slowing the rate of wear across the contact patch.

At the pinnacle of the range, the AZENIS RS820 draws directly from Falken’s involvement in endurance motorsport to deliver ultra-high-performance capabilities for exotic sports cars and supercars. Its compound formulation and shoulder architecture are optimized for lateral stiffness on dry circuits and reliable grip in wet conditions, a combination that has led to its selection as original equipment on a premium performance sedan. Complementing these specialist products, the ZIEX ZE320 offers a broadly accessible option for everyday passenger cars, incorporating features that reduce interior noise and improve fuel economy through a lighter, more efficient casing structure.

Marcus Schulz, Product Manager, Falken, said, “Consumer demand for EVs and SUVs is reshaping Europe’s automotive landscape and Falken is ready to meet that challenge. Our 2026 summer range has grown in the areas where we are noticing this growth, ensuring more of Europe’s drivers can rely on Falken’s safe, efficient and performant range – always backed by our five-year guarantee.”

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Maxxis tyres demonstrated their competitive edge during the 2026 King of the Hammers (KOH) off-road racing event, where affiliated athletes achieved notable success across several demanding vehicle classes. The most significant victory came in the premier 4900 UTV Hammers Championship, where competitor Jeff Martin secured the overall win. Martin, driving for the Blais Motorsports team in the Open UTV category, navigated the notoriously difficult Johnson Valley landscape on Maxxis Roxxzilla tyres. His performance was characterised by strategic driving and steady control, which allowed him to outpace the competition and claim the top position.

Further highlighting the capability of the Roxxzilla tyre, legendary motocross figure Jeremy McGrath turned in a remarkable performance by finishing ninth overall. This achievement was particularly impressive given that McGrath was competing in the Pro Stock NA class against a field largely composed of more powerful turbocharged vehicles. His top-ten result served as a testament to both his driving expertise and the reliability of his Maxxis rubber. The UTV Pro Modified class also saw Maxxis-supported athletes dominate the podium, with Scott Lesage taking first place and Tommy Thompson securing second.

The punishing nature of the event was evident in the experience of Can-Am driver Hunter Miller. After contending near the front of the 4900 race, Miller’s bid for victory was derailed by a steering malfunction. Despite sustaining significant damage to his vehicle, he demonstrated considerable resilience by continuing to fight through the field and ultimately finishing eighth in the Open UTV class. Before the main events, Maxxis athletes had already established a strong foundation during the earlier Desert Challenge, with Dustin Jones and Todd Zuccone each earning podium finishes in their respective classes. The collective results throughout the week’s racing reaffirmed the brand’s reputation for providing durable, high-performing and consistent tyres capable of handling the extreme and varied conditions that define the King of the Hammers.

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) had the pleasure of welcoming Thomas Colonna, Head of the Asia Regional Office from the European Forest Institute (EFI), for a courtesy visit to its Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur on 13 February 2026.

The meeting provided a valuable platform for constructive dialogue focused on strengthening collaboration in sustainability and responsible natural resource management. Both parties exchanged views on potential joint initiatives, with particular attention given to supporting smallholder farmers across ANRPC member countries in the context of evolving global environmental requirements.

The discussions underscored a shared commitment to advancing cooperation and promoting resilient, sustainable practices within the natural rubber sector, marking a positive step forward in the relationship between the two organisations.

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RuLa-BRW GmbH, a prominent independent retreader of commercial vehicle tyres, a longstanding partner in the AZuR network and a key component of the German tyre circular economy, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Based in Königs Wusterhausen near Berlin, the company is marking this milestone by launching a significant growth initiative focused on modernising its production capabilities and broadening its market reach.

Since its establishment a quarter-century ago, the company has evolved from a regional supplier into a recognised specialist in tyre retreading. Throughout this period, its core mission has centred on the economical reuse of high-quality tyre casings. This approach not only delivers substantial cost reductions for fleet operators but also plays a vital role in conserving raw materials, reinforcing the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainable practices within the commercial vehicle sector.

Looking forward, the company is undertaking substantial investments in state-of-the-art production technology. This strategic move is designed to elevate retreading quality, enhance operational efficiency and ensure robust competitiveness in the evolving market. This focus on technological advancement comes in response to several converging industry trends, including escalating raw material prices, stringent climate change regulations and the persistent pressure on fleet operating costs. These factors are collectively driving heightened demand for retreaded tyres as a viable, economical alternative to new tyres.

In conjunction with its production upgrades, RuLa-BRW is actively expanding its sales network to meet this growing demand. The company’s dual-pronged strategy of investment and expansion underscores a strong vote of confidence in the future of the retreading industry. By extending the life cycle of durable tyre casings, retreaded tyres significantly reduce energy consumption, material usage and carbon dioxide emissions, solidifying their role as a cornerstone of sustainable logistics and the broader circular economy.

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