The year 2025 marked a significant chapter for VMI Group as it celebrated 80 years of operation, highlighting a landmark achievement for the international manufacturing firm. The company, which began as a modest workshop in Gelderland, Netherlands, has evolved into a worldwide operation serving the tyre, rubber and related industries across multiple continents.
The anniversary year was structured around the theme ‘Around the World in 80 Years’, featuring a series of celebratory events at major global facilities. Activities commenced with a virtual gathering connecting the entire organisation on 1 April. This was followed by large-scale in-person events in key locations including Yantai, China; Stow, United States; Itatiaia, Brazil; Leszno, Poland; and Vadodara, India. A particular highlight was a Family Day in Epe, Netherlands, which drew participation from over 3,000 employees and their family members.
The extensive campaign served not only to highlight the company's global scale but also to honour the collective contributions of its workforce. The celebrations were framed as a tribute to the employees and their families whose efforts over eight decades have shaped the company's unique and inclusive culture.
Underpinning the anniversary recognition is the company's longstanding commitment to innovation. Throughout its history, VMI has emphasised research and development, driving its growth with a continuous pipeline of new products designed for its global customer base.
Adding to the year’s milestones, VMI also received a gold EcoVadis award in 2025. This recognition underscores its standing as a leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility within the manufacturing sector.
Harm Voortman, CEO, VMI, said, “VMI is a global business, but we are also truly local in every country where we operate. We pride ourselves on being professional, rigorous and always working to the highest standards but also welcoming, open and friendly to everyone.”
Mike Norman, Chief Commercial Officer, VMI, said, “This great milestone has been reached and VMI is already looking forward to new challenges, new achievements and more celebrations- with innovation as the key to success in the future, just as it has been for the past 80 years.”
Nokian Tyres Appoints Ville Mansikkamäki As Senior Vice President For Heavy Tyres
- By TT News
- April 30, 2026
Nokian Tyres has announced the appointment of Ville Mansikkamäki as Senior Vice President for Heavy Tyres, effective by 1 October 2026. The executive, who holds an Executive MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Logistics, will also join the company’s management team. Based in Nokia, Finland, Mansikkamäki will report directly to President and CEO Paolo Pompei.
Mansikkamäki joins the Finnish tyre manufacturer from Ponsse Plc, a global producer of cut-to-length forest machines, where he served as Vice President for Europe. His background includes senior business leadership roles at CNH, Valtra and AGCO, bringing extensive experience in heavy equipment and logistics.
He succeeds Tron Gulbrandsen, who has been managing Nokian Heavy Tyres on an interim basis. Gulbrandsen will continue his regular duties as Senior Vice President for Passenger Car Tyres in the Nordics.
Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “I am pleased to welcome Ville Mansikkamäki to Nokian Tyres. His deep expertise in machinery industry and strong international leadership background will significantly support the continued development of our heavy tyres business. I would like to thank Tron for his leadership and valuable contribution to Nokian Heavy Tyres.
Kumho Tire USA Strengthens Leadership With Marketing Veteran Carolina Wagner
- By TT News
- April 28, 2026
Kumho Tire USA has appointed Carolina Wagner as its new Vice President of Marketing, a move aimed at reinforcing the company’s brand strength and competitive edge across the passenger, light truck and commercial vehicle segments in United States.
Wagner will take charge of all marketing operations for Kumho Tire USA, including brand strategy, product marketing, digital outreach, demand generation and sales support. Working alongside executive leadership and the sales team, she will focus on aligning marketing efforts with the firm’s ambitious growth objectives in the American market.
With over 25 years of executive experience at global tyre companies such as Continental Tires the Americas and Goodyear, Wagner has led growth and brand initiatives across the tyre, mobility, SaaS and material handling sectors. Her career began in Rio de Janeiro, advancing through leadership roles in Brazil and Latin America before moving to United States. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Universidade Santa Úrsula and an MBA from IBMEC Rio de Janeiro.
Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, "Carolina's arrival marks a pivotal moment for Kumho Tire. Her deep expertise in the tyre industry, combined with her proven ability to build integrated marketing strategies that deliver measurable results, makes her the ideal leader to drive our next chapter. We are confident that she will be a key force in taking Kumho Tire's brand positioning to the next level."
Wagner said, "I am incredibly excited to join Kumho Tire and work alongside the executive leadership team to continue elevating the brand in the US. The company has tremendous growth potential with high-quality new products on the roadmap that deliver on its performance without compromise mantra. I'm excited to execute integrated, data-driven strategies to increase brand awareness and ultimately fuel growth."
Mahatma Gandhi University Opens Admissions For Executive M.Tech In Polymer Engineering And Nanotechnology
- By TT News
- April 27, 2026
Mahatma Gandhi University’s School of Polymer Science and Technology has announced the opening of admissions for its Executive M.Tech programme in Polymer Engineering and Nanotechnology for the 2026–27 academic year, targeting working professionals and industry-sponsored candidates seeking advanced technical specialisation.
The programme will be conducted at the Convergence Academia Complex, located on the second floor of the university campus at Priyadarshini Hills, P.O. Kottayam, Kerala. The university, which is graded as a Category 1 autonomous institution by the University Grants Commission (UGC), is positioning the course as an industry-aligned offering designed to bridge academic research and industrial application.
Admissions are currently open, with the last date for submitting applications set as 30 April 2026.
Designed For Industry Professionals
The Executive M.Tech programme is tailored specifically for working professionals, reflecting the growing demand for flexible, advanced education pathways within technical industries. Sponsored candidates from organisations, as well as direct applicants with relevant professional experience, are eligible to apply.
Candidates must hold either an M.Sc. or B.Tech degree in relevant science or engineering disciplines. While preference will be given to employed candidates, others may also be considered subject to seat availability.
The programme offers a total of 24 seats, including 20 allocated for Indian candidates and four reserved for international applicants, signalling the university’s intent to attract a diverse cohort.
Interdisciplinary Focus
The curriculum emphasises an interdisciplinary approach, combining Polymer Engineering, Nanotechnology and Materials Science. This structure reflects broader shifts within manufacturing and materials industries, where cross-domain expertise is increasingly critical.
Courses will be delivered by a mix of academic faculty and industry practitioners, ensuring exposure to both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications. The university highlights that this dual approach is aimed at equipping professionals with practical insights alongside advanced technical knowledge.
Programme Highlights
Among the key features of the course are its focus on industry relevance and its alignment with evolving technological demands. The programme is structured to support professionals in enhancing their capabilities without stepping away from their careers.
The university notes that the course is particularly suited to those looking to deepen expertise in polymer science and nanotechnology while remaining engaged in industrial roles.
Application Process
Applications for the programme must be submitted online via the official application form:
https://forms.gle/yfTeeevAVLzmuK8P9
Prospective candidates can access additional information through the School of Polymer Science and Technology’s website at spst.mgu.ac.in.
TVS Srichakra Assumes Us Sponsorship And Licence Obligations In Agreement Transfer
- By TT News
- April 23, 2026
TVS Srichakra Limited has assumed contractual rights and obligations from its US subsidiary under an agreement with Bristol Motor Speedway LLC.
The Madurai-based company said in a regulatory filing that it executed an assignment and assumption agreement on April 10, 2026 with Super Grip Corporation and Bristol Motor Speedway. Under the arrangement, TVS Srichakra takes over all rights, duties and obligations previously held by Super Grip Corporation under a suite licence agreement dated February 16, 2024 and a sponsorship agreement dated April 5, 2024.
The company will pay USD 1,033,250 in instalments over the remaining term of the agreements. No consideration is payable to Super Grip Corporation for the transfer.
The original terms of the licence and sponsorship agreements remain unchanged, and the arrangements are set to run until December 31, 2028.
TVS Srichakra said the move was intended to enhance the visibility and reach of its brands in global markets.
Super Grip Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, while Bristol Motor Speedway is an unrelated third party. The assignment between TVS Srichakra and Super Grip Corporation qualifies as a related party transaction and has been conducted on an arm’s length basis.
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