Trinseo Reports Q3 Loss, Restructuring Efforts Continue

Trinseo Reports Q3 Loss, Restructuring Efforts Continue

Speciality materials company Trinseo reported a third-quarter net loss of USD 87 million, driven largely by restructuring and other charges totalling USD 26 million. 

This follows recently announced restructuring efforts aimed at streamlining operations. The company posted an adjusted EBITDA of USD 66 million, marking a USD 25 million increase year-over-year.

Despite a one percent year-over-year decline in net sales to USD 868 million, the company attributed an eight percent decrease in sales to intentional reductions in low-margin areas like polystyrene and latex binders. However, a seven percent increase from higher raw material prices partially offset this decline.

Commenting on the company’s third-quarter performance, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trinseo, Frank Bozich said, “As expected, market conditions and Adjusted EBITDA were sequentially similar to the prior quarter. Despite continued weak demand in many of our end markets, particularly building and construction and appliances, we saw significant year-over-year profitability improvement largely as a result of our restructuring actions and continued moderation of European input costs.”

Third Quarter Performance by Segment

Engineered Materials: The segment posted a 12 percent rise in net sales, reaching USD 207 million, driven by increased sales volume in consumer electronics and medical applications. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment rose by USD 20 million to USD 25 million, benefiting from improved margins and a favourable product mix.

 Latex Binders: Net sales increased eight percent to USD 242 million, primarily due to higher prices that offset a drop in sales volume for paper and carpet applications. Adjusted EBITDA increased by USD 8 million to USD 26 million, reflecting improved margins and a positive regional and product mix.

Plastics Solutions: Net sales rose three percent year-over-year to USD 268 million, driven by higher raw material costs. Adjusted EBITDA climbed USD 11 million to USD 28 million, aided by higher fixed cost absorption and inventory builds in preparation for the closure of the virgin polycarbonate facility in Stade, Germany.

Polystyrene: This segment saw a 28 percent year-over-year decline in net sales to USD 151 million, impacted by a 35 percent decrease in volume after the closure of the Terneuzen, Netherlands, facility and a reduction in low-margin sales. Adjusted EBITDA rose by USD 5 million to USD 4 million due to higher margins and cost savings from the Terneuzen facility exit.

Fourth Quarter Outlook

Trinseo projects a net loss of between USD 71 million and USD 81 million in the fourth quarter, with adjusted EBITDA expected to range from USD 40 million to USD 50 million. Bozich noted that while fourth-quarter EBITDA is anticipated to dip from year-end seasonality, restructuring benefits should sustain profitability above prior-year levels. The company also expects positive free cash flow due to seasonal working capital improvements.

Commenting on the fourth quarter outlook, Bozich said, “We expect Adjusted EBITDA to be sequentially lower from year-end seasonality, but still higher than the prior year due to the benefits from our restructuring initiatives. We also expect free cash flow to turn positive in the fourth quarter due to typical seasonal working capital improvements.”

Continental, ROUSH And Supercar Ron Unite For Children's Wishes

Continental, ROUSH And Supercar Ron Unite For Children's Wishes

Continental Tire is launching a philanthropic initiative with ROUSH Performance and automotive influencer Supercar Ron to deliver hope to children with critical illnesses. The collaborative effort centres on raising funds for Make-A-Wish, the global leader in granting transformative wishes for children facing serious health challenges. At the campaign’s core is the ‘Full Throttle for Wishes Giveaway’. This sweepstakes offers a grand prize of a fully equipped ROUSH-supercharged F-150 Nitemare, outfitted with Continental ExtremeContact DWS-06 Plus tyres, with all proceeds directly benefiting the charity.

Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has fulfilled over 615,000 wishes worldwide, providing hope and joy during immensely difficult times. The organisation believes a wish can serve as a pivotal moment, fostering resilience and optimism that positively impacts a child’s journey. With a child becoming eligible for a wish approximately every 25 seconds, the mission is urgent. By uniting high-performance automotive passion with philanthropy, this initiative aims to create life-changing experiences and deliver moments of joy to as many children as possible.

Brian Beierwaltes, Head of Marketing US PLT, Continental Tire, said, “Together, we have the power to create something extraordinary. By joining forces with ROUSH and Supercar Ron, we’re turning passion into action and making a huge difference for kids who need hope the most.”

Supercar Ron said, “Cars have always been my passion, but helping kids is my purpose. This initiative is about more than horsepower; it’s about giving these incredible kids the strength to keep fighting. I’m thrilled to team up with Continental and ROUSH to make this happen.”

Apollo Tyres Secures A- Rating For Climate Change And Water From CDP

Apollo Tyres Secures A- Rating For Climate Change And Water From CDP

Apollo Tyres has achieved an A- rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) in both Climate Change and Water Security for 2025. This recognition places the company among the foremost international leaders in transparency and tangible environmental action, as evaluated by this prominent disclosure platform. Apollo Tyres began its formal CDP reporting journey in 2020, demonstrating its dedication to accountability through alignment with major frameworks including the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The company’s performance trajectory illustrates a consistent and marked improvement, rising from an initial Climate Change score of D in 2020 to achieving leadership status just five years later. This progression was bolstered in 2023 when Apollo Tyres expanded its disclosures to encompass water security, immediately securing a B- rating. The subsequent elevation to a dual A- rating underscores robust advancements in corporate governance, risk management, and comprehensive emissions reduction initiatives.

Central to this progress is Apollo Tyres’ commitment to achieving net zero emissions across its value chain by 2050. In support of this ambitious long-term vision, the company is developing a detailed decarbonisation roadmap and will shortly announce specific, absolute near-term emission targets. This systematic approach reinforces ongoing efforts to deepen stakeholder engagement and implement science-based environmental strategies, solidifying the company’s strengthened standing within the competitive global sustainability landscape.

Rajeev Kumar Sinha, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said “Reaching an A- rating underscores our dedication to environmental stewardship and our progress towards a low-carbon, water-secure future. We remain committed to driving meaningful action and transparency across our operations.”

Michelin Opens Two New Outlets In Delhi NCR

Michelin Opens Two New Outlets In Delhi NCR

Michelin is accelerating its retail expansion in North India through strategic new partnerships. The global tyre manufacturer has inaugurated two new Michelin Tyres & Services stores in Delhi NCR region. In Noida, Michelin has collaborated with Tyre Shoppe India, an established retailer with over 25 years of industry presence and a substantial facility renowned for its technical proficiency and customer service. A separate flagship outlet has also opened in Delhi’s Model Town in partnership with Liberty Tyres, a trusted automotive specialist operating for more than two decades.

These new stores provide customers with full access to Michelin’s premium tyre portfolio alongside comprehensive automotive care. Both facilities are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, high-precision alignment and balancing equipment and offer a complete suite of vehicle services to ensure efficient and accurate maintenance. This expansion is part of Michelin’s focused strategy to strengthen its footprint across Northern India, enhancing convenience and reliable access for motorists.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “Delhi–NCR plays an important role in Michelin’s growth strategy for India, with its strong base of premium and performance vehicle owners. The addition of these two new Michelin Tyres & Services Stores strengthens our retail presence in the region and brings us closer to our customers. As we prepare to introduce our Made-in-India passenger car tyre range next year, expanding our network remains central to ensuring accessibility and providing consumers with world-class mobility solutions.”

Bridgestone Names Zachary Borden As Its 2025 ASE Master Technician Of The Year

Bridgestone Names Zachary Borden As Its 2025 ASE Master Technician Of The Year

Bridgestone Retail Operations, the service and retail arm of Bridgestone Americas, has named Zachary Borden as its 2025 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Technician of the Year, recognising his performance across technical skills, productivity and customer service.

Borden received the award at a ceremony hosted by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which oversees certification standards for vehicle repair and maintenance technicians in the US.

Borden joined the company’s Firestone Complete Auto Care network in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 2016 after completing an associate degree in automotive technology at Tidewater Community College. He holds nine ASE certifications and has exceeded his service productivity rate by nearly 300 per cent for the past two years, according to the company.

Marko Ibrahim, president of Bridgestone Retail Operations, said: “Zach exemplifies the spirit of this award through his commitment to efficiency, clear and productive communication, and fostering a collaborative work environment. He is a standout technician and a trusted advisor for our customers, and it is an honour to recognise his servant leadership.”

Borden said: “Being named ASE Master Technician of the Year is truly an honour, and I’m grateful to be recognised for the quality of my work. What means the most to me is the opportunity to grow alongside a team that supports, challenges, and learns from one another every day.”

ASE Technician of the Year nominations are determined by employers based on test scores, on-the-job performance and community involvement. Bridgestone Retail Operations selects candidates from its network of more than 2,200 outlets across the US operating under the Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works brands.

The award follows the accreditation of Bridgestone Retail Operations’ technician-training curriculum by ASE in October. Accreditation is granted to institutions that meet established standards for technical education and is intended to support technicians in gaining ASE certifications throughout their careers.