Jo Dennis Named MD At WF Recycle-Tech
- By TT News
- October 07, 2025
WF Recycle-Tech has announced a significant leadership transition with Jo Dennis assuming the role of Managing Director, succeeding Founder Paul Neville.
Dennis brings extensive experience in manufacturing and tyre pyrolysis, with a proven track record in guiding businesses through scale-up, growth and operational improvement phases. His leadership will be instrumental as the company advances its patented pyrolysis technology, which converts end-of-life tyres into valuable products like oil, syngas and recovered carbon black. Shareholders Farrel Pomini and HF GROUP endorse this technology and support its full-scale commercialisation and global deployment.
The company expressed gratitude to Neville for his foundational decade of service and for developing the core patented technology. He will continue to contribute to the growing team in a consulting capacity, focusing on new business opportunities.
The company statement read: “We would like to thank Paul for his many years of commitment and service as Founder and Managing Director over the last decade, and also congratulate him for his achievements in developing the patented technology upon which WFRT will now build its business. We are also pleased to retain Paul in our growing team in a consulting capacity to support and develop new business opportunities.”
In a significant leadership update, LD Carbon (LDC) has announced a restructuring of the chief executive office at the company. The company confirmed that Seong-Moon Baek will now serve as the sole CEO. This move follows the departure of former co-CEO Yong-Kyung Hwang from the executive position.
The change is effective immediately as the company continues to advance its initiatives in the sustainable materials sector. Chief Commercial Officer Bumseek Kim (BK) formally communicated the development in a statement, saying, “Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.”
VIPO a.s., a Slovakian manufacturer of bead winding and apexing machinery for tyre production, has established a wholly owned subsidiary in India to capitalise on growing demand in one of the world's largest automotive markets.
VIPO INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED commences operations on 1 October from New Delhi, providing technical support, spare parts production, and customer service to tyre manufacturers across the country, the Partizánske-based company said in a statement.
The move represents a significant expansion for the mid-sized engineering firm, which supplies automation equipment to tyre makers globally. India's tyre industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by robust vehicle sales and infrastructure development.
"The launch of VIPO INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED is a milestone in our global expansion," said Peter Duchovic, chief executive of VIPO a.s. "India represents not only one of the fastest-growing tyre and automotive markets but also a hub of innovation."
The subsidiary will offer locally produced components for high-wear parts and provide digital services including artificial intelligence-driven condition monitoring and augmented reality-based training programmes, the company said.
VIPO specialises in bead winding lines - equipment used to produce the steel wire bundles that anchor tyres to wheel rims. The company stated that its systems incorporate robotics and automation to reduce energy consumption and enhance production efficiency.
"With our New Delhi subsidiary, we will be closer to our customers — listening carefully to their requirements and integrating their needs into the development of new devices and services," Duchovic said.
The firm has committed to the Science Based Targets initiative, a framework for corporate emissions reductions aligned with climate science, according to the statement.
Michelin Rolls Out First Indian-Made Premium Car Tyres in Chennai
- By TT News
- September 30, 2025
French group targets fast-growing SUV segment with INR 6.86 billion
Michelin has produced its first premium passenger car tyre in India, marking a strategic shift for the French manufacturer’s Chennai facility, which previously focused exclusively on commercial vehicle production.
The plant unveiled the made-in-India passenger tyres on Tuesday, with commercial availability planned for the first half of 2026. The company will target the premium segment with products ranging from 16 to 22 inches, including its Primacy 5 range as the initial offering.
Michelin will manufacture its LTX Trail ST, Pilot Sport 4 SUV, Pilot Sport 5, and Primacy 5 ranges in India.
The move follows Michelin’s September 2024 announcement of an INR5.64 billion investment in passenger car tyre manufacturing. The group has since added over INR 1 billion for subsequent phases, bringing total investment to INR 6.86 billion, supplementing the INR 28 billion already deployed at the Chennai site.
India’s passenger car market, valued at USD 18.13 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 33.85 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 11 percent. Sport utility vehicles now account for more than half the market, a trend that Michelin is positioning itself to capitalise on.
“Better infrastructure, rising disposable income, changing consumer preference of the growing Indian middle class’s desire for more versatile, spacious, and feature-rich vehicles are fuelling growth and premiumisation of the car park,” the company said in a statement.
Michelin scaled production in 12 months from announcement to first output, including 50,000 hours of employee training at various Michelin factories overseas. The new passenger car line spans 22,000 square metres and incorporates what the company describes as “Industry 5.0” automation.
The facility requires only 200 employees, compared to the industry standard of 500 for comparable capacity, according to Michelin. The Chennai plant already produces 38 tyre variants for trucks, buses and defence applications, with all business-to-business products fitted with radio-frequency identification tags.
Michelin has expanded its retail presence to 75 standalone service centres across India and opened what it terms an “experience store” in Nashik. The company plans to expand this network as production increases.
The Chennai facility operates with a zero carbon footprint, zero liquid discharge, and complete recycling, sourcing 80 per cent of its water from rainwater harvesting while drawing 45 per cent of its energy from renewable sources.
The company, which employs 129,800 people across 175 countries, positions itself as a “world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites” with operations spanning mobility, construction, aeronautics and healthcare sectors.
Jay Dhillon Appointed As President Of BKT USA
- By TT News
- September 29, 2025
In a strategic move to bolster its position in the United States, Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT Tires) has announced two key executive appointments for its American operations. The company has named Jay Dhillon as the President of BKT USA and appointed Minoo Mehta as a Senior Advisor.
With more than two decades of international experience in the tyre sector, Dhillon will be responsible for leading the Ohio-based subsidiary. His mandate is to drive long-term growth by expanding into new and existing markets, aligning all business units with strategic objectives and cultivating profitable partnerships to ensure sustainable industry leadership.
Mehta, taking charge from 1 October 2025, will focus specifically on the truck and bus radial tyre segment, providing expertise to support the development and launch of new product lines. This dual appointment is designed to strengthen the company's overall strategy and market presence across its key off-highway and radial tyre businesses in the US.
Dhillon said, “I am excited to join the BKT team and contribute to its forward-looking growth. With over 20 years in the tyre industry and an engineering background, my goal is to lead the team and drive success during this dynamic time while upholding the company’s commitment to quality, innovation and excellence.”
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