Solvay has announced that it is reviewing plans to separate the company into two independent publicly traded companies. 

EssentialCo would comprise leading mono-technology businesses including Soda Ash, Peroxides, Silica and Coatis, which are its chemicals segment, as well as the Special Chem business. These businesses generated approximately EUR 4.1 billion in net sales in 2021, it said in a statement.  

SpecialtyCo would comprise the company’s currently reported Materials segment, including its high-growth, high-margin Specialty Polymers, its high-performance Composites business, as well as the majority of its Solutions segment, including Novecare, Technology Solutions, Aroma Performance, and Oil & Gas. These businesses combined generated approximately EUR 6 billion in net sales in 2021. 

Ilham Kadri, Chief Executive Officer, Solvay, said, “The plan to separate into two leading companies represents a pivotal moment in our journey to transform and simplify Solvay. Since we first launched our G.R.O.W. strategy in 2019, we have taken a number of actions to strengthen our financial and operational performance, focus our portfolio on higher growth and higher-margin businesses, and reinforce our business purpose across the organisation. We have changed the culture profoundly, with a passion for performance and meritocracy at its core. Our successful focus on cash, costs, and returns has strengthened the Materials and Solutions segments to be more self-sustaining and profitable. At the same time, the Chemicals segment has continued its strong track record of resilient cash generation. Notwithstanding the challenges of the current global environment, we are confident that pursuing this plan would enable us to create compelling value for shareholders over the long-term. 

“Our talented and dedicated employees have worked hard to transform Solvay, and their efforts have enabled us to take this important next step towards the creation of two strong companies. We expect to create opportunities in each company for our employees to thrive and grow, and we are confident that both companies will maintain the same levels of customer focus and commitment to value creation.” 

Meanwhile, Nicolas Boël, Chairman of Solvay Board of Directors, said, "Today's news is an important milestone for Solvay. In the last decade, Solvay has undergone major evolutions and the transformation has accelerated under Ilham’s leadership with a focus on profitable growth and simplifying the company, all while driving innovation and raising the bar in sustainability. This exciting announcement marks the next phase of the transformation. On behalf of the entire Board, we look forward to guiding Solvay’s next chapter of sustainable value creation for shareholders, customers and employees.” 

The company said the separation would establish two strong industry leaders that would benefit from the strategic and financial flexibility to focus on their distinctive business models, market and stakeholder priorities.  

Under the separation plan, Solvay’s shareholders would retain their current shares of Solvay stock, which will continue to be listed on Euronext Brussels and Euronext Paris. The separation would be effected by means of a partial demerger of Solvay whereby the specialty businesses will be spun off to SpecialtyCo. Solvay shareholders at the time of separation would receive shares in SpecialtyCo pro rata to their shareholding in Solvay SA. The shares of each company would be expected to be listed on Euronext Brussels and Euronext Paris. The company expects to structure the separation in a manner that would be tax efficient for a significant majority of shareholders in key jurisdictions. The composition of the Boards and management teams, as well as names for each company, will be provided at a later date, the release added. (TT)  

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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.”

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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.”

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The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has officially opened voting for its 2025–2026 Board of Directors election, with five seats available – four carrying a standard three-year term and one two-year term to fill a vacancy. Nine candidates, including two current board members, are vying for these positions.

The nominees include industry leaders from across the tyre sector: Stephen Callahan of Liberty Tire Recycling (Pittsburgh, PA); Jeff Campbell from Tire Discounters Inc. (Cincinnati, OH); John Evankovich representing Sam’s Club Tire and Battery Centers (Bentonville, AR); Darrel Jackson of Big O Tires (Kernersville, NC); Michael Jacobsen from Purcell Tire Company (Potosi, MO); Al Klinge of Klinge Group (Sherwood, Australia); Brian Laughlin with Technical Rubber Company (Johnstown, OH); Seth Murphree from Travel Centers of America (Anderson, SC) and Jason Rook of Independent Tire Dealers Group (Wimberley, TX).

All TIA members in good standing are eligible to vote either by mail-in ballot or online at the association’s election portal. The voting period runs from 9 July through 1 September 2025, with election materials distributed to primary contacts at qualifying member companies.

Results will be announced in mid-September, and the newly elected directors will be formally installed during TIA’s Annual Membership Meeting on 3 November 2025, in Las Vegas, held in conjunction with the Global Tire Expo/SEMA Show. This election marks a key opportunity for members to shape the association’s leadership and strategic direction for the coming years.

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As the transportation sector accelerates its shift towards electrification, Maxion Wheels is spearheading the development of specialised wheel technologies to address the distinct requirements of battery-electric trucks. The company's deep engineering expertise and innovative approach position it as a leader in creating solutions that meet the evolving demands of electric mobility.

Electric trucks present unique technical challenges due to their substantial battery weight, which can add 2-3 tonnes compared to conventional diesel vehicles. Proposed European regulations allowing increased gross vehicle weights for zero-emission trucks further intensify the demands on wheel systems. The instant torque characteristics of electric drivetrains, often delivering 2-3 times more torque than traditional engines, combined with the stresses of regenerative braking, create unprecedented loads. These factors can increase front axle loads by up to 500 kg per wheel, necessitating stronger yet lightweight wheel designs.

Maxion addresses these challenges through material science innovation, employing micro-alloyed high-strength steels with yield strengths exceeding 550 MPa – approximately 20 percent stronger than standard wheel steels. The company's proprietary Lightweighting Process integrates advanced engineering techniques including topology optimisation algorithms that simulate natural growth patterns, finite element analysis of over 5,000 load scenarios and precision forming methods that enhance material properties.

The company's substantial investments in high-performance computing have revolutionised its development capabilities. These powerful systems enable evaluation of more than 15,000 design iterations during development cycles, sophisticated multi-physics simulations combining mechanical, thermal and fatigue analysis and digital twin validation that has reduced physical prototyping requirements by 40 percent.

Current production solutions include certified 22.5-inch steel wheels with exceptional 4,250 kg load capacity, weight-optimised designs saving approximately 50 kg per axle compared to conventional wheels, and customized variants tailored to different battery configurations. Looking ahead, with market analysts projecting electric trucks will capture 25 percent of the commercial vehicle market by 2030, Maxion is actively developing next-generation solutions including aluminium hybrid wheels for premium applications, advanced composite materials for lightweight designs and enhanced testing protocols for extreme fast-charging thermal conditions.

Ralf Duning, Vice President of Global Engineering at Maxion Wheels, said, “At Maxion Wheels, we are committed to leading the charge in e-mobility by developing lightweight wheel solutions that meet the unique demands of battery-electric trucks. Our latest designs not only enhance payload capacity but also ensure that our customers can transition to sustainable transport without compromising on performance or durability.”

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