Utilising automation and digitalisation - known as digitisation in tyre manufacturing, presents a new perspective on all activities and tasks. Computer-aided systems make it possible to shorten continuous development and production times, increase time and performance usage of lines, and increase product quality while reducing the time needed for changing settings and to maintain the fleet.

In the past 20 years, VIPO a.s. has established itself as a leading manufacturer of automatic bead winding production lines. Based on the requirements of its customers and taking into account the trends in the tyre industry, in addition to continuously improving the existing lines, in 2014 VIPO a.s. started to invest in the development and acquisition of services-oriented services aimed at increasing production efficiency, in particular by reducing the time of line settings and maintenance, improving production quality and maintaining best practice directly in the factories and all of this in the most comprehensible form suitable for newly recruited workers as well.

In the area of digital competence, VIPO a.s. focuses mainly on 3 interconnected areas:

1) Advanced Condition Monitoring (ACM) - advanced condition monitoring including predictive maintenance (Regression Analysis and Neural Networks);

2) Rapid Action Supporting System (RASS) - enabling rapid problem localization and immediate search for the necessary methodology and documentation using 3D scans, including the development and preservation of Best Practice;

3) Staff training - using multi-view instructional videos, respectively 3D virtual trainings and optimization principles of Quick Changeover (SMED), Poka-Yoke and ergonomic and safety principles.

Advanced Condition Monitoring

Shifting from reactive and preventive maintenance to predictive maintenance that allows all tasks to be performed at exactly the optimum time, thus reducing downtime and reducing scrap, is not possible without advanced condition monitoring and the appropriate analytical part of the necessary amount of data. In this area, VIPO uses its own specialists in statistics and neural networks, long-term know-how in the field of mechanical design and rubber chemistry. Data security in the process of data acquisition, processing and presentation is a matter of course. VIPO never stores tyre production and technology data without the consent of a particular tyre manufacturer. Data processing is possible on the manufacturer's servers, respectively in the cloud (according to customer preference).

Rapid Action Supporting System

RASS is a system using 3D Scan, respectively 360-degree panoramas of production technology for easier and faster orientation in space (especially for less-experienced or new workers). This interface is linked to live data on production parameters as well as on the current need for intervention (whether changes in settings or equipment maintenance). At the same time, the operator / maintenance staff makes use of all the necessary documentation (such as technology regulations, machine documentation and electrical documentation) quickly available to deal with the situation at a specific point of the technology. Thus, the system does not burden the workers in a time-consuming situation with too much information that may be generated when searching for the necessary documents and procedures. Using an intelligent search system in the Best Practice of the plant based on solving the same or similar problems, the worker can accomplish the tasks properly, on time and much faster than before RASS implementation.

Staff training

Based on our long-term experience with continuous improvement of our internal processes and products, VIPO a.s. has also integrated a staff training system - operations and maintenance - into the system. The training can be based on complex but also affordable instructional videos that are required by end-users, which, thanks to multi-vision technology, accurately and comprehensively depict the correct procedure for performing the desired task. The video tutorials emphasize all the key moments concerning the production technology itself, as well as ergonomics and occupational safety. “The cherry” on the trainings in the terms of production savings is the optimization of the processes, where, through a team of engineers, we are able to optimize processes in accordance with the principles of SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) and Poka-Yoke. For more demanding customer groups, we offer training in 3D virtual reality, which also enables automatic evaluation of the effectiveness of the training and the trained workers themselves.

The main service that VIPO a.s. offers to its customers for supporting the challenges of 2020 is the complex system described above, the main effect of which is to save time when changing production technology settings, as well as performing service tasks. At the same time, the system contributes to reducing the number of scraps and also enables customers to develop and fully exploit their best know-how.

VIPO a.s. offers its know-how and services related to its own SMM (Smart Maintenance Module) software solution, but it is also able to integrate it into existing solutions of the world's leading IoT software manufacturers.

(For more information about Smart Maintenance Module and all services provided, please contact: Andrej Bencel, SMM Key Account Manager; abencel@vipo.sk; www.vipo.sk; www.smartmaintenance.sk

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone India announced the winners of the 5th Edition of its Mobility Social Impact Awards (MSIA) 2025 in Pune, celebrating organisations that use mobility for social good.

The top honour in the Road Safety Innovation and Excellence category went to ALERT (Amenity Lifeline Emergency Response Team) from Chennai for empowering over 450,000 citizens with emergency response skills. Safety Research Foundation (SRF), based in Pune, received a Jury Commendation for its BRACE Project, which transforms school zones with safety audits and infrastructure upgrades.

In the Empowerment of Vulnerable Communities category, The Association of People with Disability (APD), Bengaluru, won the top honour for its Rehab on Wheels initiative, which provides last-mile rehabilitation services.

The winners were presented with their awards by social worker Dr. Girish Kulkarni, founder of Snehalaya.

Hiroshi Yoshizane, Group President, Bridgestone Asia Pacific and Managing Director, Bridgestone India, said: “It is a privilege to honour these changemakers who are redefining mobility for social good. Their work reflects our shared commitment to building inclusive, safe, and empowered communities.”

Jeya Padmanaban, Founding Trustee, Safety Research Foundation (SRF), said, “We are truly honoured to receive the Jury Commendation at the Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards 2025. The BRACE Project reflects our belief that road safety must begin at the community level, where awareness and infrastructure meet action. This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue building safer environments for children and fostering a culture of responsibility and care on our roads.”

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!