The Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC) has joined hands with Rubber, Chemical & Petrochemical Skill Development Council (RCPSDC) to uplift the skilling quotient across hundreds of units involved in rubber, chemical and petrochemical (plastic) sectors, especially MSMEs, in Tamil Nadu. 

RCPSDC is the sector skill council for all three domains and has already skilled and up-skilled over 2.5 lakh candidates in the country in association with various State Skilling Missions, a press release said. 

It pointed out that RCPSDC’s scope of work in Tamil Nadu will include the design and development of an industry-ready curriculum, ensuring quality in skill training being imparted in the state across all three domains, assessment and certifications of candidates and industry engagement, etc. 

Shewani Nagpal, COO, RCPSDC, said, “We are privileged to come on board with TNSDC, the apex body mandated with strengthening the skilling ecosystem in the state. Tamil Nadu is the largest tyre manufacturing state in the country and is also a leader in plastics manufacturing. This presents ample opportunities for RCPSDC to make a difference to the skilling scenario, especially in Rubber/ Tyre and Plastics domains.” 

She added, “The shop floor is witnessing fast-paced technological advancements with the need for skilled personnel on the rise for improving productivity. Tamil Nadu has a robust skill development ecosystem. The association with RCPSDC will positively influence training quality and standards in the three vital sectors, thereby reducing skill gaps, improving manpower productivity and increasing employment opportunities for the skilled workforce.” 

As per the Memorandum of Understanding, RCPSDC will develop National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) compliant course curriculum to maintain high training standards. Assessment and certification of trainees based on National Occupational Standards (NOS) and promotion of industry participation in apprenticeship and placements are the other key areas that RCPSDC will be involved in. RCPSDC will be mandated to organise periodic Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes to equip trainers with the latest industry-relevant skills, knowledge, tools and technology. Besides, RCPSDC will also be setting up Centres of Excellence as and when mandated by TNSDC, the release added. 

Some of the state skill missions that RCPSDC has already collaborated include Uttarakhand Skill Development Mission (UKSDM), Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM), Additional Skills Acquisition Program (ASAP) Kerala, Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM) and Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC). (TT)

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been officially recognised as a DX Certified Business Operator by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The designation, which was granted on 1 September 2025, identifies companies that are thoroughly prepared for digital transformation as outlined by the Digital Governance Code.

This certification acknowledges Yokohama Rubber's comprehensive strategy for digital transformation, which is built on three core objectives: advancing business strategy, contributing to sustainability and reinforcing its IT infrastructure. Central to this effort is the company's proprietary AI framework, HAICoLab (Humans and AI ColLaborate), which drives group-wide digital initiatives. These include improving productivity, innovating processes, developing digital talent and building a global cloud-based IT system. The certification confirms that the company's efforts not only meet METI's stringent criteria but also demonstrate appropriate disclosure of information to its stakeholders.

Moving forward, the company said it will continue to leverage data from its entire value chain to adapt to a dynamic business environment. The company aims to enhance customer value, pursue sustainable innovation and transform its corporate culture to strengthen its competitive position and ensure long-term growth.

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TyresNmore, the automotive aftermarket e-commerce platform owned by RPG Group, has promoted Rakesh Tatikonda to Chief Executive Officer and announced the change with immediate effect.

Tatikonda, who previously oversaw business operations at the Mumbai-based firm, will spearhead the organisation’s expansion and innovation strategy. The appointment advances RPG Group’s ‘Talent First!’ policy, which rewards internal promotions and develops employees.

The new chief executive brings over 15 years of industry experience, having worked across multiple sectors with companies such as telecommunications giant Reliance Jio and IT services provider Infosys. Before joining TyresNmore in 2022, Tatikonda held senior positions at tyre manufacturer CEAT, where he developed expertise in strategy, operations, marketing and digital transformation.

“My aim is to transform automotive aftercare in India by offering seamless, tech-driven, end-to-end mobility solutions delivered with trust, transparency, and convenience right at the customer’s doorstep,” Tatikonda said in a statement.

TyresNmore operates a doorstep service model for tyre and battery replacement across six major Indian cities: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. The platform represents RPG Group’s entry into the growing automotive aftermarket sector, which has seen increased digitisation as consumers seek convenient maintenance solutions.

During his tenure in operations, Tatikonda scaled the business and improved profitability while driving digital transformation initiatives. His track record shows he strengthened operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience in the mobility convenience sector.

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Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent retreader producing high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres for fleets across the UK and Europe, has expanded its UK presence by acquiring Tyrefair in Kinross, Scotland.

This strategic acquisition extends the company's award-winning service further north, ensuring Scottish customers receive the same high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres Vaculug has supplied for 75 years. Since the purchase, the Kinross location has already grown by 25 percent, with an ambitious target to double its business within a year and then double it again.

This move is a key part of Vaculug's 2026 growth strategy, focused on strategic acquisitions that enable better, faster and more sustainable customer service. The acquisition reinforces Vaculug’s long-standing environmental mission, marking a new chapter of sustainable growth with a strengthened Scottish operation.

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Nokian Tyres is expanding its US presence through a new nationwide partnership with American Tire Distributors (ATD). This agreement provides Nokian access to ATD’s vast network of over 110 distribution centres, serving roughly 80,000 customers.

The collaboration will efficiently supply tyre shops with Nokian’s complete product lineup, enabling dealers to broaden their inventory. Both companies bring 90 years of experience and a shared dedication to innovation, safety and sustainability. This partnership will offer drivers more choices, supported by Nokian’s award-winning Tennessee factory and ATD’s technology-driven logistics.

This enhanced distribution capability ensures that consumers will have greater access to a full spectrum of high-performance tyres, meeting diverse driving needs and conditions. The alliance strengthens both brands' market positions by combining premium products with an unparalleled delivery system, ultimately improving service for dealers and drivers alike across the country.

Chris Ostrander, SVP, North America, Nokian Tyres, said, “The partnership with ATD enables us to reach more tyre shops and more drivers than ever before. ATD’s robust distribution network, customer service and responsiveness strengthen our agility to serve both new and existing customers.”

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