The launch of the Dr D Banerjee Centre of Excellence at JSS Technical Institutions marks a pivotal step towards transforming India’s rubber and tyre industry. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the centre aims to break longstanding deadlocks, equipping the workforce with advanced skills and driving innovation in polymer science and sustainable rubber technologies. With a focus on supporting MSMEs and addressing emerging challenges, especially those posed by electric vehicles and stricter regulations, the DBCOE seeks to become a national hub for research, training and certification, ultimately positioning India as a leader in the evolving global rubber sector.

The Indian Institute of Rubber (IRI) and JSS Technical Institutions inaugurated the Dr D Banerjee Centre of Excellence (DBCOE) recently at the Raghupati Singhania auditorium at JSS Technical Institutions’ Mysore campus.

The institute will serve as a proactive platform for academic and industrial collaboration for polymer science and rubber technology aiming to bridge different industrial deadlocks within the rubber industry.

The event was attended by JK Tyres and Industries CMD Dr Raghupati Singhania, Mysore District Magistrate Lakshmikanth Reddy (IAS), H.H. Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, IRI Chairman Dr R Mukhopadhyay, IRI Vice Chairman V K Misra and industry veteran P K Mohamed, among others.

Setting the stage for the occasion, Mahaswamiji stated, “This is a remarkable coincidence that JSS Science and Technology is associating with Dr D Banerjee Centre of Excellence to usher in new vistas for innovation in rubber technology, where science meets technology for the benefit of society. The centre is dedicated to focusing on innovation, research and new product development and creating high-performance tyres, thereby contributing to sustainability efforts by developing eco-friendly tyre technologies.”

Drawing on the same lines, Misra went on to say, “This is a dream come true as the decision was taken to establish a Centre of Excellence at the occasion of IRCO RubberCon Conference held at Chennai in the year 2015. It gives all of us an immense sense of pride to be associated with the establishment of this Centre of Excellence. It will provide a unique platform to the rubber and allied industry for skill development, training, technology development etc. in the coming years.”

The centre honours the contribution of Dr Banerjee, a pioneering figure in Indian rubber and tyre technology. The initiative was supported by JSS Mahavidyapeetha, IRI and numerous industry leaders and technologists.

Dr Singhania was recognised at the event not only for his leadership in the tyre industry but also for his commitment to nation-building and youth empowerment.

“I am glad that the Indian Rubber Institute, in association with JSS Mahavidyapeetha and the larger Indian rubber fraternity, has set up this centre in memory of Dr Banerjee, the doyen and father of the Indian rubber industry. It is heartening to know that this Centre of Excellence has been established with a clear and noble vision. In fact, this initiative resonates deeply with our Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Skilled India Mission’,” said Dr Singhania.

He added, “This centre has the potential to play a vital role in realising the vision within the rubber sector. I was delighted to tour the centre and see the comprehensive infrastructure and facilities put in place to fulfil these objectives. I am confident that this centre will soon earn the reputation and recognition it rightly deserves.”

A FULFILMENT CENTRE

According to Dr Singhania, in India’s rapid growth trajectory, institutions like this will play a crucial role in empowering youth with the skills needed to serve this vital sector. Vocational education is a key enabler of employability and plays a transformative role in facilitating a smooth transition of individuals into the industrial workforce.

“I am tempted to share our own experience with industry-academia partnership. We have been successfully running one at IIT Madras for the last 18 years. I believe this kind of close collaboration between industry and academia is something we have been missing in India, and it is indeed a critical step forward,” he stated.

India today stands at a unique juncture with a demographic advantage expected to last for the next 25–30 years. Equipping the population with the right skill sets – both technical and entrepreneurial – opens the opportunity to transform an advantage into a demographic dividend that drives economic growth not just within India but globally.

The employment landscape is evolving rapidly. Business models are being disrupted and new job roles are emerging at an unprecedented pace. The skills and job profiles that were relevant five years ago may no longer be sufficient today. This rapid change demands a dynamic skilling ecosystem – one that is agile, industry-responsive and inclusive.

To meet the future demands of the tyre and rubber industry, such as the increasing use of speciality polymers, advanced materials and the rising adoption of electric vehicles, a technically confident and highly trained workforce is needed.

“This Centre of Excellence can play a vital role not only as a hub for education and hands-on training but also as a platform for testing, research and technology development. Its contribution, particularly to MSMEs in the rubber and allied sectors, will be significant. This centre will evolve into a beacon for the rubber industry, not just in India but across the Asia-Pacific region,” said an optimistic Dr Singhania.

VETERAN’S TALK

Commenting on the occasion, former IRI Chairman P K Mohamed stated that after several years of earnest effort by the officials and members of the IRI, a world-class institute for rubber technology, education, research, testing and skill development has been established.

“Currently, industries recruit students directly from colleges after they complete their BTech degrees. These companies then invest one to two years in training them before assigning them to regular roles. This approach is both expensive and time-consuming. To address this, we propose the introduction of a preparatory course for students, developed jointly by industry and academic institutions, based on a mutually agreed syllabus. Experienced professionals from industry, raw material and equipment suppliers as well as research organisations could be invited to deliver these classes,” said Mohamed.

He added, “We are also in the process of working out an appropriate methodology for funding these programmes. This initiative will significantly benefit industries by enabling them to hire job-ready candidates directly, eliminating the need for extensive post-recruitment training.”

The industry veteran highlighted that forensic analysis of failed products remains a key challenge for small and medium enterprises. To address this, DBCOE has developed comprehensive analytical capabilities and plans to recruit a specialist for failure analysis. This facility will help industries identify root causes of failures and implement corrective actions to ensure continuity.

A material characterisation and wet chemistry lab has been set up to analyse raw materials such as carbon black, rubber chemicals, various rubbers, accelerators, antioxidants and process aids. In-house capability also exists to draft material specifications for future quality control. Plant audits and merit-based approvals can be arranged.

Plans are underway to offer short courses in collaboration with equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Topics will include mixing, extrusion, calendering, tyre building, compounding, engineering, moulding, retreading, footwear, belt technology and latex products. These courses will combine practical and theoretical content, including testing methods and failure analysis. Notably, discussions with HF Mixing Group on mixing technology are progressing well. Additionally, a recognition programme is being developed to honour individuals contributing to different segments.

DEFEATING DEADLOCKS

India’s automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and rising performance expectations. While tyres often dominate the conversation, rubber components account for up to 10 percent of the overall value in an automobile and its role is growing more critical than ever.

As vehicle design evolves, so do the demands on rubber parts in the wake of higher torque, lighter weight, reduced rolling resistance and near-silent operation as can be seen in case of EVs. For manufacturers, especially the MSMEs that make up much of the sector, these shifts present a formidable challenge. Existing designs and materials no longer suffice.

Speaking on the vision of the centre and how it will meet industry deadlocks, Dr Mukhopadhyay said, “The mission is fourfold viz-a-viz upskill the current workforce, offer technical support for regulatory compliance and homologation, enable technology advancement for MSMEs and drive sustainable material innovation in collaboration with raw material suppliers. This centre aims to be more than just an academic institution; it’s envisioned as an ecosystem that fuels India’s rubber sector with skilled talent and cutting-edge know-how.”

At the heart of the initiative lies a simple truth that knowledge alone is no longer enough. According to Dr Mukhopadhyay, India’s tyre and rubber sector needs a convergence of skill and science that demand a confluence of practical expertise and theoretical depth. With an eye on decarbonisation, the centre will also push research into bio-based alternatives for carbon black, synthetic rubber, tackifiers and processing oils. From tyre-to-tyre recycling to steel reuse and low-emission polymers, the effort reflects a broader ambition to modernise the industry not just for EV readiness but for long-term sustainability.

“In a market where regulatory demands are intensifying and global competitiveness is rising, this centre represents a strategic leap. It promises to future-proof India’s rubber industry by training the next generation, empowering MSMEs and leading the shift towards a cleaner, more resilient manufacturing base,” he said.

THE NON-TYRE SECTOR

The centre will primarily focus on the tyre industry but aims to support the wider rubber ecosystem, especially MSMEs producing non-tyre components. While large tyre firms have testing and certification infrastructure, smaller players often lack access to technology, skilled labour and analytical facilities. The centre will bridge this gap through hands-on training, consultancy and development support. It will act as a national hub for tyre technology, BIS certification and sustainability compliance while also helping non-tyre manufacturers enhance technical capabilities.

“This sort of institution has been both our dream and our vision. We’ve worked hard to bring it to life, and I’m heartened to see the industry now stepping up. Of course, execution and funding remain challenges. Nothing happens overnight, but I’m confident that with time and collective effort, we will overcome these hurdles. As a PhD holder in this field, I’ve witnessed the struggles students face, particularly during their research projects. Dealing with limited equipment, recruitment issues and maintenance challenges are plenty,” averred Dr Mukhopadhyay.

HURDLES IN THE WAY

Despite India’s robust tyre and rubber sector, a culture of collaboration remains elusive, especially among tyre companies, which have largely remained conservative and insular in their approach.

Industry veterans have long observed that companies prefer to operate in silos, wary that cooperation might breed competition.

According to Dr Mukhopadhyay, the initiative of collaboration has come in the form of grassroots movements like the Wisdom Club – an informal alliance led by senior industry professionals like himself and Mohamed – who have pooled their knowledge and experience to mentor the next generation and drive development where institutions have fallen short.

“Unlike government-backed Centres of Excellence, which number over 40 yet often lack focused activity, and with only one national body showing limited development momentum, these independent efforts fill a critical gap. Furthermore, there are no large grants, no access to state support and infrastructure must be built slowly, piece by piece – often through deferred payments and personal negotiations. We don’t have capital. Yet, against these odds, progress is being made often over decades.”

While attempts to find institutional partners in Chennai and other cities have met resistance or failed to materialise, the effort continues.

EDUCATIONAL PROWESS

Highlighting the nuances of the educational programmes offered by the centre, IRI Advisor S Vasudeva Rao mentioned, “The centre offers two flagship programmes, namely the Diploma in Rubber Technology for diploma holders and fresh recruits and the Postgraduate Diploma in Rubber Technology for science and engineering graduates. Both combine online theoretical modules (delivered on Sundays) with practical assignments and hands-on crash courses at the Mysuru campus. Final examinations are conducted and evaluated by IIT Kharagpur, lending strong academic credibility.”

Rao also noted that the new training powerhouse is an INR 280 million facility funded entirely through industry donations. It brings in over 40 industry experts to teach domain-specific topics ranging from tyre and conveyor technology to PU foams and latex composites. Curriculum is aligned with real-world applications and transparency is ensured via digital course materials and regular assessments.

The initiative has gained formal endorsement across the tyre industry. Companies like Apollo, Yokohama, BKT and JK Tyre now embed course completion as a pre-condition for employment confirmation, reimbursing 100 percent of the INR 40,000 course fee. While the centre is new, the course dates back to 1995 and over 1,200 professionals have graduated with average annual enrolment now exceeding 250.

The centre represents a rare model of successful industry-academia collaboration in India’s manufacturing sector, combining infrastructure, expertise and funding to systematically upskill the rubber workforce.

While the establishment of the DBCOE represents a significant milestone, the broader challenge lies in overcoming the entrenched conservatism and fragmented nature of India’s tyre and rubber industry.

Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, has been awarded the 'CEO of the Year' by the Top Rankers Management Club. The accolade was presented at the 25th National Management Summit, held in New Delhi on 23 August 2025.

The award recognises Singhania’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision, which have been pivotal in steering the company toward sustained growth and innovation. Under his guidance, JK Tyre has reinforced its position as a leader in radial tyre technology, expanded its global presence and strengthened its dedication to sustainability and customer focus.

In his acceptance speech, Singhania expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honoured to receive this recognition from the Top Rankers Management Club. This award reflects the collective commitment of the entire JK Tyre team, whose efforts continue to drive our progress. I would like to thank my colleagues, industry partners and stakeholders for their unwavering support in our journey of growth and transformation.”

He has been a key figure in modernising the company, leveraging new technologies and expanding its presence in both domestic and international markets. The 'CEO of the Year' award, presented by the Top Rankers Management Club, celebrates leaders who demonstrate a clear vision for organisational excellence and industry transformation.

Hana Technologies, Inc. (Hana RFID) has strengthened its leadership in the Asian market with the appointment of industry veteran Jason Chang as Sales Director for Asia. Based in Shanghai, he will be responsible for managing key customer relationships and driving strategic growth throughout the region.

Chang brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role, with over 15 years in the RFID sector following a successful career in IT. His proven track record includes significant tenures at leading firms like Xerafy, Stora Enso and Beontag. His accomplishments range from pioneering the development of innovative flexible anti-metal tags to launching groundbreaking RFID-based retail solutions that gained widespread adoption in China and Europe. He has also demonstrated a strong capacity for growth, most recently achieving remarkable business expansion in the APAC market.

This appointment is a strategic milestone for Hana RFID, underscoring its commitment to supporting global customers with high-performance technology and expert, on-the-ground leadership. This move highlights Hana RFID's focused strategy on deepening its regional support and providing partners with sophisticated RAIN RFID inlay and embeddable tag solutions, backed by local expertise.

Mike Hetric, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Hana RFID, said, “The appointment of Jason Chang is a significant step forward in improving local availability and supporting our key partners in Asia. Jason’s track record in driving innovation, his deep market knowledge and his commitment to customer success will be invaluable as we expand our footprint in this dynamic region.”

Chang said, “I’m excited to be part of the Hana RFID team, which is recognised in the market as both a key player and a trusted partner for an ever-growing network of label converters, service bureaus and system integrators. I look forward to working alongside our partners in Asia to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service.”

Ralson Tire North America (RTNA) has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of two seasoned tyre industry professionals.

As per the new development, Billy Dorsey Jr has been appointed as Vice President of Sales – South and Jamie McSwaney has been appointed as Vice President of Sales – North. Both the new appointments bring a combined 45 years of tyre industry experience to the company.

Brian Sheehey, President, RTNA, said, “These additions signal our unwavering commitment to accelerating Ralson’s growth in the US and Canada. We’re building a leadership team that knows how to compete, win and deliver results. Their deep industry relationships and ability to execute will be instrumental as we continue to grow our footprint in the North American trucking industry.”

Scandinavian tyre service provider Citira sees robust potential for premium tyres in the Nordic region, driven by seasonal demands and safety priorities. CEO David Boman highlights that premium tyres including Pirelli’s offerings hold a significant share in passenger car, light truck and truck tyre segments supported by harsh winter conditions that emphasise performance and reliability. Despite a slight recent decline amid broader economic pressures and rising price sensitivity, premium brands remain relevant. Citira’s new long-term partnership with Pirelli and acquisition of Dackia AB aims to consolidate and optimise premium tyre distribution across Sweden.

Scandinavian tyre service company Citira recently told Tyre Trends that Nordic countries have excellent potential for premium tyres during a discussion over its partnership with Italian tyre major Pirelli.

Speaking on the market potential, Chief Executive Officer David Boman said, “When it comes to the Nordic markets, Scandinavia in particular has a relatively high share of premium tyres across categories including passenger car, light truck and TBR segments. Compared to other global regions, the demand for premium tyres here is notably strong.

“One of the main reasons for this is the seasonal nature of our market. Winter tyres, in particular, drive a more premium-oriented approach because of the need for high performance and safety under harsh conditions. While we’ve observed a slight decline in the premium tyre share over the past few years, it still holds a significant portion of the market. This demand is closely tied to seasonal safety concerns, especially in winter, autumn and early spring. Drivers here prioritise safety and reliability, which naturally supports the continued relevance of premium brands like Pirelli.”

He noted that the decline is likely tied to broader financial challenges in the market, especially following the Covid period. Both consumers and companies have become more price-sensitive, making cost a bigger factor in purchase decisions.

As a result, there’s been a gradual increase in demand for lower-cost, imported non-European tyre brands, while the market share of European premium tyre brands has slightly decreased.

Pirelli and Citira have entered a long-term strategic partnership aimed at enhancing their market presence in Sweden. As part of the deal, Citira will acquire Dackia AB that has a network of 102 retail outlets from Pirelli.

In return, Pirelli and Dackia have signed a supply agreement extending to 2030, ensuring Pirelli remains the main tyre supplier. The transaction, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close by 2025. The partnership will boost Pirelli’s distribution and market coverage while supporting Citira’s goal of expanding a sustainable, flexible and high-quality customer service network.

THE PACT

Citira currently runs over 50 tyre shops and over five retreading units across Scandinavia and Poland. “Citira is actively working towards creating a more efficient and consolidated tyre market. While our current focus is primarily on the Scandinavian region, it’s not out of the question that we may consider expanding beyond this geographic perimeter in the future. This agreement is part of a broader industry trend where partnerships and acquisitions are used to enhance efficiency, strengthen distribution networks and provide end customers with better service coverage,” revealed Boman.

Nonetheless, the deal specifically pertains to the Swedish market, and as part of the regulatory process, Citira has conducted a market analysis to understand the potential implications on market share. However, the specifics of that study were said to be confidential and could not be disclosed prior to the official closing of the deal.

Explaining how this partnership will influence the supply chain of premium tyre in the Nordics, Boman said, “We do anticipate some changes, particularly within Citira. We operate a number of logistics centres, and this partnership presents an opportunity to optimise our overall supply chain setup. Enhancing logistics will be a key enabler of better service and responsiveness in premium tyre distribution.”

He added, “This particular deal is unlikely to have a direct or immediate impact on independent retailers or smaller distributors. More broadly, the Scandinavian tyre retail sector is undergoing consolidation. Several players are actively reshaping the competitive landscape and that trend could gradually influence the positioning of independents. But again, this specific acquisition is not a disruptive event in that context.”

Alluding to the current demand for replacement tyres, he said, “In general, the tyre market has proven to be quite non-cyclical. Even in challenging economic conditions, it tends to remain stable. That said, I believe we’re entering a phase where circularity and life-extension solutions will gain more momentum. We’re likely to see increased focus on services that extend tyre life, especially for larger fleets. This shift won’t just be driven by cost or fleet uptime concerns but increasingly by environmental responsibilities.”

THE BUSINESS

According to Boman, Pirelli represents a very minimal share of Citira’s overall sales, currently. However, the strategic partnership mainly revolves around Dackia and Pirelli, and the former is intended to become part of the Citira Group. “Moving forward, there is definitely an opportunity to deepen the collaboration with Pirelli and potentially grow their share within our overall brand mix,” added Boman.

Citira currently follows a multi-brand strategy and will continue with it even after closing of the deal. Besides, it is also involved in process and sales of retreaded TBR tyres and wheel rims.

“We operate a facility in Poland where we refurbish truck and bus rims. The process involves media blasting and repainting the rims to restore its appearance and functionality. The logic behind it is quite similar to retreading. In most cases, the structural integrity of the rim is still intact; it’s just the surface or aesthetics that degrade over time. By restoring these rims, we’re able to extend the life and reduce waste,” said Boman.

The company operates five retreading facilities collectively, located in Finland, Sweden and Poland. It uses both hot-cure and cold-cure retreading methods. Hot-cure is used in Poland and cold retreading in Finland and Sweden. Annually, it retreads around 160,000 tyres, averaging about 13,000 per month. While its current focus is on retreading, Citira is actively exploring expansion into tyre recycling as part of a broader push towards sustainability and circularity.

The company also manages tyre distribution for fleets across countries. Its circular tyre distribution approach involves not only delivering new tyres to customers but also collecting used tyre casings from them. These casings are then sent back to its retreading facilities, creating a closed-loop system. Besides, Citira has different suppliers across Europe for sourcing tyres for retreading.

MARKET WATCH

Citira sees a strong willingness in the market for consolidation and it has already engaged in several partnerships. Commenting on market challenges, Boman said, “One key challenge is the need for a player capable of driving consolidation at a larger scale. In the Scandinavian markets, this kind of brand-independent consolidation hasn’t really taken place over the last 10 to 15 years. Previously, consolidation efforts were primarily led by tyre manufacturers or affiliate networks players. However, consolidation has largely been on hold recently, leaving space for an independent actor to step in. We see that opportunity clearly and believe it is well received both by other market participants and customers. The challenge lies in successfully executing this consolidation while maintaining trust and delivering value across a diverse market.”

Commenting on the demand for retreading, he said, “The Scandinavian market has a long tradition of retreading heavy vehicle tyres. Currently, there is a growing shift towards pay-per-kilometre or tyre-as-a-service models, especially among large fleets like bus companies and hauliers. Notably, public tenders increasingly require a certain share of retreaded tyres, reflecting a strong environmental focus. Retreading extends the life of a tyre by reusing about 70 percent of its original material, making it a significant sustainability tool. The market share of retreaded tyres is gradually increasing with expectations that the retread market will grow faster than the new tyre market in the coming years.”

“The main challenges for the retreading industry lie in overcoming the longstanding perception that retreaded tyres are merely a low-cost option rather than an environmentally friendly and sustainable product. This is mostly prevalent is Scandinavia and it is crucial to shift this mindset by educating customers and the broader market about the true benefits of retreading. Moving away from a purely price-driven sales approach to one that highlights quality, durability and positive environmental impact remains a significant hurdle for the industry,” he added.