The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and its member companies have thrown their full support behind H.R.3401, a bill aimed at strengthening the American tyre retreading industry. The legislation, reintroduced by U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH), proposes tax credits for fleet purchasers of American-made retreaded commercial tyres, with the goal of bolstering domestic manufacturing, creating jobs and promoting sustainable tyre solutions.

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO of USTMA, said, "Approximately 15 million tyres are retreaded annually in the U.S., including nearly 44 percent of commercial truck tyres in the U.S. and Canada. By providing tax credits to fleet purchasers who buy American-made retreaded commercial tyres, we have a critical opportunity to support domestic manufacturing and strengthen our national economy. This legislation is about more than just tyres – it's about investing in American workers and promoting a sustainable and innovative manufacturing sector."

Tyre retreading is highlighted as a vital component of American remanufacturing, currently employing over 51,000 workers and supporting more than 268,000 jobs across the broader U.S. tyre industry. Retreaded tyres are characterised as a nearly 100 percent domestically produced product, primarily manufactured by small, independent businesses that typically employ between 10 and 60 individuals.

Despite its significance, the American tyre retreading sector has faced a substantial decline, with the number of facilities shrinking from over 3,000 in 1982 to just 500 at present. This decline is attributed, in part, to an increase in imports of foreign new tyres, about 65 percent of which are less likely to be retreaded due to their design and construction. This trend not only undermines efforts to build robust tyre recycling programs but also accelerates the decline of U.S. retreading facilities.

H.R.3401 seeks to revitalise the U.S. retreading industry by making fleet purchases of retreaded commercial tyres more financially appealing. This measure is expected to create high-quality manufacturing jobs, enhance supply chain resilience and bolster local economies.

Furthermore, retreading aligns seamlessly with the U.S. tyre manufacturing industry’s commitment to a circular tyre economy, aiming to reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of commercial trucking. Compared to new tyres, retreaded tyres demand significantly fewer natural resources, contributing to lower carbon emissions and energy conservation. Specifically, retreaded tyres:

• Use 15 gallons less oil and 90 lbs. less material per tyre.
• Save 215 million gallons of oil annually in the U.S. and Canada.
• Reduce CO2 emissions by 24 percent.
• Reduce water consumption by 19 percent.
• Reduce air pollution by 21 percent.
• Keep 1.4 billion pounds of waste out of landfills each year.

"The retreading industry has long been a leader in sustainable manufacturing, but the sharp decline in domestic retreading facilities highlights the need for policy solutions that support this critical sector. We applaud Reps. LaHood and Sykes for their leadership in reintroducing this bill and ensuring that American-made retreaded tyres remain a key pillar of our economy and environment," concluded Luke.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Linglong Tire has announced the promotion of Alessio Iacovelli to Deputy Director of Replacement Sales for Western Europe, effective 1 September 2025. In this elevated role, Iacovelli will take on leadership of the regional sales team with a mandate to accelerate business development. His key objectives will include forging strategic alliances and implementing programmes to strengthen customer loyalty. Iacovelli will report directly to Lisa Zhao, the Director of Replacement Sales for Western Europe, and will collaborate with her to manage key markets, including Germany, the UK, Italy and Spain.

Iacovelli, who began his career with Goodyear and Nexen, first joined Linglong Tire at the end of 2022 as a Sales Manager. In that capacity, he demonstrated significant success in developing the Southern European aftermarket, where he expanded the brand's footprint, defined effective growth strategies and secured robust partnerships with distributors. This strategic appointment and the restructuring of the sales leadership underscore Linglong Tire's intensified focus on achieving its ambitious growth targets across the European continent.

Iacovelli said, "I am very pleased to have been promoted to Deputy Director Replacement Sales West Europe at Linglong Tire. We have fantastic products such as the Sport Master 4S and the Sport Master Winter, both successfully tested in the recently published tyre tests. We have a state-of-the-art development centre in Germany and a new tyre plant in Europe and are successful in original equipment – ideal conditions for achieving our ambitious goals together with my team and the colleagues in Hannover and continuing to grow, especially in Europe."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German synthetic rubber maker ARLANXEO has launched consultations with worker representatives over the potential closure of its Port Jerome facility in France, citing persistent weak demand and declining competitiveness in the European chemicals industry.

The company, which is majority-owned by Saudi Aramco, had begun an information and consultation period with the Works Council at the site, located in northern France. A final decision on the closure will be taken after the mandatory consultation process concludes and approval is obtained from the French labour authorities, DREETS.

“The European chemical industry continues to face persistent weak demand and declining competitiveness driven by rising costs, unbalanced global markets, and increased regulatory pressure,” said Stephan van Santbrink, ARLANXEO chief executive.

“These conditions have generated a significant burden on the sector across the regional value chain. ARLANXEO has not been an exception to these challenges. The Port Jerome site has remained in a structurally loss-making position. Despite numerous improvement efforts, we do not foresee a viable path to a sustained structural improvement.”

The company did not disclose how many jobs would be affected by a potential closure, nor did it provide details on the facility’s production capacity or annual output.

Van Santbrink acknowledged the impact on workers, saying: “We recognise the impact a potential closure may have on our employees, and we regret the need to consider these steps. We will continue to treat all employees with respect. If we decide to cease operations at the site, we will do our utmost to assist in finding alternative solutions for all impacted employees. In addition, we intend to provide impacted employees with a social plan which reflects their valued contribution to ARLANXEO.”

The announcement adds to a growing list of European chemical producers struggling with high energy costs, sluggish demand and competition from lower-cost producers in Asia and the United States.

ARLANXEO said it would work closely with all affected internal and external stakeholders to minimise the impact of the intended closure.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Continental's Tires group sector has strengthened its leadership team with two key internal appointments, effective 1 September 2025. Jana Striezel has been named the new head of global purchasing for Continental Tires, while Dennis Bellmund has assumed leadership of the global original equipment business for both passenger and commercial vehicles. Both executives will report directly to Christian Kötz, the member of Continental AG's Executive Board who leads the Tires group sector.

In her new capacity, Striezel will oversee worldwide strategic and operational purchasing. She brings extensive experience from the automotive industry, having previously held several procurement management roles at Renault, where she led purchasing for the Renault brand and its alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi in Europe. Her career began at Volkswagen in 2014.

Bellmund, who has a 25-year tenure with Continental, steps into his role following the departure of his predecessor, Manja Greimeier, to the ContiTech sector. His extensive background within the company includes recent responsibility for Continental’s tyre retail operations, alongside prior leadership roles in EMEA supply chain management and sales direction for the European replacement tyre business. These appointments signal a strategic reinforcement of Continental's tyre division leadership.

Kötz said, “We’re delighted to welcome Jana Striezel, a highly skilled manager, to our team. She brings extensive expertise in international procurement and will focus on driving forward our purchasing strategy. In Dennis Bellmund, our global original equipment business has gained a highly experienced leader. Thanks to his many years at Continental, he is familiar with our company and our customers’ needs from many different angles. On behalf of the entire management team, I wish both of them every success in their new roles and look forward to working together.”

“On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank Manja Greimeier for her successful leadership of our original equipment business and wish her all the best and continued success,” added Kötz.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!