Rubber trees take six to seven years to mature before they can be tapped, a process which involves making incisions in the tree’s bark to allow its milky sap to collect in a cup attached to the trunk “We’re not…
Category: Industry News
FinTyre gets green light from EC to purchase Reifen
Italy-based European FinTyre Distribution Limited (EfTD), one of the largest Pan European tyre distributors, has been given the green light by the European Commission (EC) to acquire privately held Reifen Krieg Group, a leading full-range tyre wholesaler in Germany, a deal…
Sumitomo starts up South African plant for truck/bus tyres
Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) says that the group’s South African factory in Ladysmith has started producing tyres for trucks and buses, with an aimed capacity by 2020 of 750 tyres/day. With the aim of ensuring a stable supply of truck…
KCC considering purchase of Momentive
A consortium led by South Korean construction materials maker KCC Corporation is looking at acquiring Momentive Performance Materials, a US-based silicone manufacturer, in a deal that could be valued at US$1.8 billion, according to a report in a local South…
Continental buys Australian tyre service firm
Germany’s Continental is to purchase Australia’s Kmart Tyre and Auto Service (KTAS) from its current owner, Wesfarmers Limited, for A$350 million. KTAS has around 258 outlets employing more than 1,200 staff in the country. The core business of KTAS comprises…
Yokohama terminates technology tie-up with Kumho Tires
Japan’s Yokohama Rubber says that it has terminated its four-year old technology tie-up with Kumho Tire Co., effective July, after China’s Qingdao Doublestar bought a 45% stake in Kumho this year, becoming its largest shareholder. Yokohama Rubber and Kumho Tire…
Lanxess to sell remaining 50% stake in Arlanxeo jv to Saudi Aramco
Specialty chemicals group Lanxess plans to sell its remaining 50% stake in Arlanxeo to its joint venture partner Saudi Aramco. The two companies, that founded Arlanxeo in 2016 as a 50:50 joint venture for synthetic rubber, have signed a respective…
Continental partners with AI research to speed up neural networks in cars
German technology company Continental says that it is expanding its international network for artificial intelligence (AI) in US’s Silicon Valley. “We are joining forces with the world’s leading AI researchers,” said Demetrio Aiello, Head of Continental’s Corporate Artificial Intelligence and…
Zenises purchases Europe’s largest independent retreader
Vacu-Lug Traction Tyres, Europe’s largest independent retreader, has been acquired by UK-based tyre firm Zenises Group that has not only purchased the entire company and equipment but has also acquired the prime 11 acre site in Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK, where…
Continental starts construction on its new headquarters in Hanover
Technology company Continental is beginning the construction of its new headquarters in Hanover. The first development phase for the building complex is to be completed by the end of 2020 and to provide space for 1,250 employees. According to the…