How do you see the scope of tyre retreading industry and its future growth?

Our focus is on Europe, and the fact that Europe has a high density of population, the transport infrastructure depends heavily on road transport. Therefore, the potential in tyre demand remains at a high level. This assumption is also proven by the fact that over the past years the number of sold commercial vehicles has increased. And even the retreading market has shown a slight increase during 2018/2019 after many years of decline.  Analyst report there is an approximate share of 20% of truck retreads vs new tyres.

Needless to say, the current Covid-19 crisis has caused an eruption in the world, and nobody knows for sure which total effects this will cause, but one point is definitely sure – especially during the crisis, the key focus is trying to save resources and work most economically. On top we believe, that exactly this mindset will support the retreading industry, as retreading is unquestionably a part of the tyre industry which ensures the sustainability of resources.

We at NEROFORCE remain optimistically during these tough times.

What are your products/services to the sector?

Our goal is to offer the retreaders a full range of consumables, tools and equipment of high quality and performance. We are professionals in buffing & grinding tools and offering the widest range of different grinding tools. We re-develop and improve conventional tools, pushing the boundaries of state-of-the-art engineering. Focus during the production processes is to ensure the best performance & quality of our products and bring them to the market at the most economical and environmentally friendly level as possible.

From my own experience, many traditional companies are simply offering what they have offered for the past decades. Therefore, quite often the potential of modernisation, re-engineering or the upgrading of the tools & manufacturing to meet today’s standards has been missed.

Next to the NEROFORCE branded products, we also offer other brands, which have not neglected the above described evolution and are also able to offer modern and state-of-the-art quality products. With this complete offer, our customers can be assured, that they get the best of the best available in the market from NEROFORCE.

What gives your products the competitive edge in the market?

As mentioned above, it is the simple fact, that we do not offer conventional or “old-fashioned” products, but mainly re-engineered tools in terms of material, production process or improved usage scenarios. At all times, a high level of quality is our main driver.

How did you manage operations during the current pandemic slowdown?

As we are still a young company, we were surely struggling at some point. But since we have not yet built a big and costly organisation with a large overhead, it was probably easier for us than for bigger companies to apply saving processes or work most economically. Today, we have a very economic and healthy structure and surely can and will grow the company at a healthy speed.

 Do you think business operation processes will change in post-COVID times? If so, how?

It will change definitely. COVID forced us to reduce or even stop travelling, attend classic meetings, do sales calls and visits. Therefore, we were all forced to learn other ways of doing our business. And many people, not only in our but many other industries, found that these new ways actually work quite well and they learned that a big part of travelling around can be reduced considerably. We have been using the necessary technology for a long time, conducting online meetings, video conferences and chats, but not only from office to office, but also at a factory level, or to demonstrate something or show issues etc.  A lot of companies have not used these technologies, simply because of their old habits.

The same will also apply for the purchasing. Online shopping for tools and consumables in the B2B area was and is still not common in many areas of the industry. But this will happen, and it has to change now. Therefore, we at NEROFORCE are working at high speed on the introduction of our online B2B-ProShop for the Tyre & Retreading Industry. With this project, NEROFORCE will be a leader in presenting, demonstrating and selling the full range of high-quality products in the most convenient and easiest way.

Some details about your network?

Our base is in southern Germany, the geographical centre of Europe. Next to our office & warehouse team we also run a field engineering dept.

Service is our highest priority. And therefore, we work with a highly educated and very motivated team. Our manufacturers & suppliers from Germany, Italy, USA & Asia are selected carefully to ensure their service and quality complies with our philosophy.

 

Smithers, a renowned provider of testing, consulting, information and compliance services, has announced that its proving ground at Treadwell Research Park in Pearsall, Texas, has achieved ISO 17025 accreditation.

Operated on behalf of Discount Tyre, the facility’s accredited scope currently covers wet grip testing and tyre buffing, with plans to expand accreditation to include rolling resistance and pass-by-noise testing. The site boasts diverse paved and off-road test surfaces for comprehensive tyre performance validation. Additionally, it complies with UNECE Regulation No. 117 for Wet Grip and Pass-by Noise standards. This accreditation underscores Smithers' commitment to delivering high-quality testing services in the tyre industry.

Sean Connolly, Director of Test Track Operations at Smithers Winter Test Centre/Pearsall Test Track, said, “The tyre industry is currently focused on a variety of sustainability initiatives, such as reducing the rate of tread wear to extend the life of the tyre. Understanding tyre performance at varying levels of tread wear is critical for tyre manufacturers looking to get the most out of their designs.”

Jim Popio, PhD, Vice President, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division, North America, said, “We’re incredibly proud that our existing processes and procedures meet the rigorous requirements of ISO 17025 accreditation. Accurate data, on time, is central of the Smithers promise on a global scale, and we strive to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations with exceptional service as well.”

Michelin, a leading tyre technology company, has launched its first Michelin Experience Store in India, in partnership with Bharat Tyres. The facility spread across 25,000 sqft is located in Adgaon on the Mumbai-Agra highway, Nashik and is Michelin’s largest store in the country.

It is designed not only to provide a premium experience, but also showcases the company’s global legacy through the Michelin Wall. Customers will also be to experience the Heritage Wall that visualise the heritage of both Michelin and its local dealership partner.

The Michelin Experience Store also has a Display Zone that showcases Michelin’s innovations in electric mobility, materials science and environmental responsibility.

The dealership also includes service areas for cars and trucks, PPF coating, precision wheel alignment, advanced balancing services, innovative puncture repair solutions, professional car detailing and a wide array of car accessories. 

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “We are proud to unveil Michelin’s first Experience Centre in India. The sole purpose of this store is to go beyond traditional tyre retail and provide customers an immersive experience of the brand, of our dealer partners and of the technological prowess of our tyre solutions that are safe and sustainable. Nashik, a key hub with growing premium vehicle ownership, is the first of many such centres that will further strengthen our footprint in the western region while providing state-of-the-art experience and services to evolving customers.”

Radar Tyres, the flagship brand of Omni United, has appointed Sami Jauhojärvi, Olympic gold medallist and one of Finland’s most celebrated cross-country skiers, as its official brand ambassador.

Jauhojärvi's sporting excellence – built on resilience, performance and a profound connection with nature – mirrors Radar Tyres' commitment to delivering premium-quality tyres across all seasons and terrains at accessible prices. The brand's comprehensive range includes Summer, All Season, Winter and specialist Ice tyres, designed to meet diverse driving needs with reliable performance.

This collaboration represents a strategic alignment as Radar Tyres expands its European and UK presence. Jauhojärvi will serve as brand ambassador, featuring in marketing campaigns, digital initiatives and local events while sharing his expertise to support Radar Tyres' mission of making high-performance tyres available to all drivers.

G S Sareen, Founder and CEO of Omni United, said, “We’re excited to welcome Sami to the Radar family. Sami’s authenticity, credibility and strong connection with his audience make him an ideal partner for us. He embodies the spirit of perseverance and performance – the same qualities we build into every Radar tyre. As we continue to grow our brand across Europe, partnerships like this play a key role in building deeper connections with consumers. We’re excited to build on this momentum with more such collaborations in the near future.”

Jauhojärvi said, “I am thrilled to represent Radar Tyres, a brand that has a remarkable mission to make premium quality and performance accessible to all and also has deep-rooted values of giving back to society via various initiatives it has undertaken over the years such as supporting breast cancer research. I’m sincerely surprised about the performance and silence of my Radar Tyres and happy to deliver this feedback to all the people.”

Kenda Tires is celebrating Dan ‘The Flying Dutchman’ Vanden Heuvel's nomination to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, recognising his legendary 49-year career as both a champion racer and community leader.

Since entering his first race at age 15 in 1977 at Crandon International Raceway, Vanden Heuvel has become one of off-road racing's most respected figures. His aggressive driving style earned him 20+ Pro-Class wins, five Crandon World Championships and a PRO-2 title. As owner of Flying Dutchman Racing, he mentored numerous drivers including his son Mikey, who secured Kenda Tires' historic first PRO-2 victory.

Beyond competition, Vanden Heuvel's greatest impact comes from his tireless community work. He co-founded the Midwest Off-Road Racing Association, created the Short Course Kart Series for young racers and established the MORR Injured Driver Fund with his wife Nancy. His hands-on approach – from building tracks to mentoring drivers – has shaped generations of off-road enthusiasts.

Now as Kenda Tires' Product Display Manager, Vanden Heuvel continues supporting the sport, assisting drivers across multiple series while representing Kenda at events nationwide. His dedication embodies the brand's values of community and passion for motorsports.

The formal induction ceremony will be held on 2 November 2025 in Las Vegas. This honour celebrates not just Vanden Heuvel's remarkable racing achievements but his enduring legacy as an ambassador who has profoundly influenced off-road culture.

Brandon Stotsenburg, VP of Automotive Division, Kenda Tires USA, said, “Dan is more than a legend – he is a mentor, a servant-leader and the beating heart of the off-road community. He helped deliver Kenda’s first PRO championship and still shows up for others every single weekend. We are honoured to have him represent Kenda and even more proud to call him family.”