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

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Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd, has been appointed to another term as Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA). This industry body represents India's automotive tyre sector at the national level. Meanwhile, Rajarshi Moitra, Managing Director of Bridgestone India Private Limited, has assumed the role of Vice Chairman. In a separate leadership transition, Sanjay Chatterjee, formerly Assistant Director General, has been promoted to Director General of ATMA. He takes over from Rajiv Budhraja, who is set to retire on 31 March 2026.

Mammen’s educational background includes graduation from Madras Christian College and an MBA from Ashland University in United States. His professional development was significantly enhanced by extensive training with B F Goodrich Tire & Co. and Uniroyal Goodrich Tire & Co. during his time in US, an experience that proved highly beneficial in his subsequent career. He was appointed Managing Director of MRF Ltd in 2004 and later became Vice Chairman and Managing Director in 2017.

His initial tenure as ATMA Chairman began at a pivotal moment last year, coinciding with the organisation's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Established in 1975, ATMA stands as one of the country's most prominent national industry associations, representing an automotive tyre industry valued at over INR 1 trillion. The association's membership encompasses major Indian and international tyre manufacturers, who collectively account for more than 80 percent of India's total tyre production.

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Giti Tire has secured the EcoVadis Platinum Medal for the second consecutive year, positioning it within the top one percent of companies globally evaluated for sustainability. This ongoing distinction underscores the organisation's dedication to ethical operations, environmental stewardship and the generation of sustainable value throughout its worldwide activities.

The EcoVadis framework appraisals in four principal domains: environmental impact, labour and human rights, ethical conduct and sustainable procurement. This methodology offers a thorough benchmark for corporate sustainability. Earning Platinum recognition for two straight years indicates that Giti's environmental, social and governance efforts are not only effective but are also demonstrating ongoing enhancement.

Complementing this accolade, Giti’s manufacturing sites in Anhui and Fujian, China, recently secured ISCC+ certification. This dual achievement illustrates the company's holistic sustainability strategy. This approach encompasses corporate governance and operational excellence while also ensuring the responsible procurement of materials essential for developing next-generation tyres.

As the worldwide mobility industry moves towards more environmentally friendly solutions, Giti is persistently investing in advancements aimed at minimising ecological impact, all without compromising the safety, durability and performance expected by consumers. These milestones reinforce Giti's goal to emerge as a prominent contributor to sustainable mobility within the international tyre sector, offering conscientious products and methods that support its customers, collaborators and communities.

Francois Petiot, Director, International QA Centre, said, “Reaching the top is difficult – but staying at the top of the mountain is even harder. This achievement shows not only our commitment to sustainability, responsible business practices and continuous improvement but also the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved.”

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Agricultural machinery specialist Emyr Evans marked four decades in business by restoring the first new tractor it ever sold. The Massey Ferguson 3065, originally purchased in late December 1995 for New Year delivery, has been beautifully brought back to life. It now rides on the latest MICHELIN AgriBib 2 tyres, supplied and fitted by Saracens, a trusted partner and part of the Michelin Quality Centre network. The tyres fitted are 340/85 R24 on the front and 420/85 R34 on the rear.

Emyr Evans founded the company with his wife Gwenda in 1986, starting with used tractors before becoming a Massey Ferguson dealer for Anglesey and Gwynedd in 1996 from their base in Gaerwen. By 2002, their territory had expanded to cover all of North Wales to the Cheshire border, prompting the opening of a second depot in Denbigh. Over the years, the business has grown by adding major franchises including JCB, Fendt, McHale, Pottinger and Bailey. Today, their sons Gwynedd and Berwyn manage the two depots.

The restored tractor is a significant piece of the company’s history, representing the last of Massey Ferguson’s 3000 series of versatile mid-range tractors. It was originally sold to a farmer in Anglesey and had worked there ever since. Despite its coastal location near the Irish Sea, it remained in working order but required dedicated care and attention.

The choice of modern Michelin tyres highlights the evolution in agricultural technology. The current AgriBib 2, with its improved tread pattern featuring 45-degree lugs, offers enhanced traction, durability and a higher load index to cope with the increasing weight of modern machinery. Comparing it to the Bib’X M18 from the 1990s illustrates this progress. For example, a 16.9 R34 Bib’X M18 carried a maximum load of 2,060 kg at 40 kmph, while the equivalent AgriBib 2 now carries 3,075 kg, an increase of over a tonne per tyre.

The restored Massey Ferguson 3065 is being showcased along with a collection of vintage tractors at the company’s 40th Anniversary Open Days (11 and 12 March) at their Denbigh depot on the Colomendy Industrial Estate.

Berwyn Evans, Director at the business, said, “The tractor was sold to a farmer in Anglesey and has been working there ever since. Due to the location by the Irish Sea, it needed some TLC but was still in working order. As the tractor is now 30 years old, it’s been a challenge tracking down replacement parts but a worthwhile one. When it came to fitting new tyres to this special tractor, the only choice was Michelin, which is king in the agricultural world.”

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Bridgestone Central Europe has announced leadership changes effective 1 March 2026, with Francesco Landolfo stepping into the role of Business Unit Director Commercial CER. He will oversee operations across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Landolfo takes over from Christoph Frost, who guided the commercial division for eight years and was instrumental in embedding the company’s premium approach throughout the region. Frost transitions to a new capacity as Director of Retread Business for Bridgestone EMEA, where he will manage the Bandag retreading enterprise across Europe.

Christoph Frost, Director Retread Business Bridgestone EMEA.

Waqqas Ahmad, Vice President Commercial Europe, highlighted that these moves are vital for advancing the premium strategy in Central Europe and within the retread sector. He noted that both individuals possess the necessary expertise and forward-thinking mindset to deepen client connections and reinforce the brand’s upmarket standing

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