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WSJ: Caterpillar Expects New Rival To Emerge From China

June 29, 2011
GOSSELIES, Belgium (Dow Jones)--Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) expects a new rival in the heavy-machinery sector to come out of China "in the next few years," said Doug Oberhelman, its chief executive.

"There are all these companies [in China], and there's consolidation happening, and you just know that one or two will emerge as a serious rival," he said in an interview Wednesday at the U.S.-based company's sprawling factory here in southern Belgium.

Currently, Caterpillar's main competitors in the market for construction and mining equipment are Volvo AB of Sweden and Komatsu Ltd. of Japan.

The prospect of China's emergence as a threat in a market Caterpillar has dominated for so long is a big reason why Mr. Oberhelman, a former economist who took over the Peoria, Ill., company last July, has become one of the rare CEOs who still campaigns hard for international-trade deals. 


Mining sector demand driving Bridgestone’s off-road business

June 28, 2011
product supply in the EM tyre sector is presently restricted by global production capacities. While this applies to many manufacturers, Bridgestone’s global customers are also facing supply issues in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. All Bridgestone OTR/EM tyres sold in the UK are manufactured in Japan. The tyre maker produces these in three factories – Shimonoseki, Hofu and Kitakyushu. The last of these was opened only two years ago and has been earmarked for capacity expansion to meet global demand for large and ultra-large off-road mining and construction radials. While none of the three plants are located in hard-hit regions of Japan and no damage was reported, rolling power cuts are still an issue affecting production. Mr. Coleman adds that further pressure on availability is coming from the huge demand for off-road tyres within Japan due to the rebuilding projects currently underway in earthquake and tsunami-affected regions. Read More
Natural rubber prices tumble, follow global market cues
June 28, 2011
Natural rubber (NR) prices tumbled heavily on Monday, mainly on account of the sharp fall in prices in the overseas markets. The market of RSS-4, the Indian bench mark grade, on Monday quoted Rs 210 a kg, lower by Rs 6 from last week’s closing rate.  


MINING equipment supplier WesTrac has warned of a looming tyre shortage

June 10, 2011
Speaking at a Melbourne Mining Club lunch yesterday, WesTrac managing director Jim Walker said mining companies should brace for a shortage of the tyres ... in the new year.

In the middle of the previous mining boom, a demand-fuelled tyre shortage slowed some mine expansions and crimped supply, contributing to booming commodity prices before tyre makers were able to boost capacity and catch up to demand.

"The tyre companies are saying 2012 will be back to what it was before," Mr Walker said.

"We're not there yet but we're all looking at what's going to happen in early 2012 with tyres."

Growing demand for trucks for multi-billion-dollar expansions, such as those planned by Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals Group... 


Apollo Tyres plans global push to drive into top 10

June 10, 2011
Apollo Tyres is planning big. Having grown into a $2-billion company in 35 years since inception in 1976, India's largest tyre maker now plans to grow three times to $6 billion in the next five years. The aim is to break into the global top 10 tyre companies. Apollo is reportedly ranked seventeenth now.

A bigger export plan is under implementation in Indonesia. Apart from the general demand for BIAS tyres and truck radials, the concentration of opencast mining activity offers a lucrative market opportunity for high tonnage (and high value) off-the-road (OTR) tyre market.

“We are manufacturing 51” – 57” high tonnage OTRs in India for exports to Indonesia. There is little market space for such products in India,” Mr Sharma told Business Line adding that two such consignments were exported to the archipelago.  


Caterpillar can't make mining trucks fast enough.

June 9, 2011
DECATUR - Caterpillar Inc. is jamming its mining truck production pedal to the metal and yet it still can't make them fast enough to satisfy world demand.

Speaking to analysts in New York, Caterpillar officials said the first quarter of 2011 had been its best ever with an operating profit of more than $1.8 billion on sales and revenues of $12.9 billion for the quarter. And yet the numbers could be even better, the company said, if factories like the Decatur plant, which makes the world's biggest mining trucks, were able to build the giant machines at a faster rate. Read More
Cat Boss Sees Tire Shortage Looming
April, 8, 2011
The chief of Caterpillar's global mining group expects a "serious tire shortage" in that sector by the end of 2011, according to a new Reuters report.

Caterpillar Global Mining President Chris Curfman, speaking to Reuters during a copper mining conference in Chile, said, "By the end of this year, or early next year, we will be in a potentially serious tire shortage situation. There is a lot of truck demand, a lot of big tractor demand. Lead times are stretching out now and we are seeing some supply chain issues."

Curfman suggested the shortage could mimic the tire plight six years ago, when Caterpillar and other equipment makers were caught by fast rising tire demand that choked off OE supplies. That led to significant equipment and tire delays even as demand was increasing. 


Demand Pushes Nokian to Second Russia Plant

April 7, 2011
At the company's annual general meeting today, Nokian Tyres president and CEO Kim Gran will share plans about the construction of a second factory in Russia. This new plant will be erected alongside Nokian’s existing plant in Vsevolozhsk.

“Market outlook has strengthened clearly and we need more production capacity,” reported Gran in a statement prior to the meeting. “We, together with the local authorities, are preparing a new plant next to the current one, which will increase our annual car tire capacity by five to six million tires. Negotiations about tax relieves and infrastructure investments are in their final stage.”  


Natural rubber jumps to Rs 240/kg on strong global cues

April 4, 2011
New Delhi, Apr 4 Natural rubber prices on Monday jumped by Rs 7 to Rs 240 per kg in the domestic spot markets, largely on the back of strong global cues.

Natural rubber prices were ruling at Rs 233 per kg on April 2 in the domestic physical markets, Rubber Board data said.

“Natural rubber prices have been rising in the international physical and futures markets due to news of floods and mudslides in Thailand, which will affect the rubber supply in the markets,” said Mr George Valy, President, Indian Rubber Dealers Federation.

According to experts, natural rubber exports from Thailand, the world’s biggest rubber exporter, may come down because mudslides have devastated rubber plantation areas and a forecast of further heavy rain.  



  Commodity price index climbs to new high

April 1, 2011
The Reserve Bank of Australia's index of commodity prices rose 0.6 per cent in March from February, reaching yet another record high as prices for crude oil, coal and gold climbed.

That followed a downwardly revised increase of 1.4 per cent in February. The index was up a massive 41 per cent in special drawing right (SDR) terms, compared with March last year. The index reading of 134.2 far surpassed the 2008 peak of 119.5.

In Australian dollar terms, the index rose by 1.6 per cent in March and was up 32 per cent for the year. The index also hit a record high in US dollar terms, to be up 46 per cent on March last year.

Advertisement: Story continues below The largest contributor to the rise in March were increases in the estimated prices of coking coal, coupled with gains in the price of crude oil and gold.  


Indonesia rubber exports to Japan seen falling

April 1, 2011

(Reuters) - Indonesian rubber exports to Japan are expected to drop significantly in coming months as the earthquake and tsunami there last month affected the country's auto industry, a trade ministry official said on Friday.

Global demand for rubber, both natural and synthetic, is forecast to rise to 26.1 million tonnes in 2011 from 24.4 million tonnes in 2010, the International Rubber Study Group said earlier this month.  Read More
Michelin to raise prices on earthmover tires
April 01, 2011
Effective May 1, 2011, Michelin North America Inc. is increasing prices on Michelin brand earthmover replacement tires sold in the United States and Mexico by up to 8%.

The company is citing increasing raw material prices as the reason for the price hike.

Michelin is the latest tire manufacturer to increase tire prices. Here is a rundown. 



Danger lurks: OTR tire wheel lock rings can be death trap

March 30, 2011
The director of Klinge & Co. Pty. Ltd. in Spring Hill, Australia, wants to eliminate what he said he believes are needless deaths occurring worldwide each year among those working with OTR tires.

Five OTR tire service workers and technicians died worldwide in 2010, according to Mr. Klinge’s presentation to attendees of the Tire Industry Association’s Off-the-Road Conference at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in late February. That, he indicated, was on top of nine killed in 2009, five more in 2008 and one so far this year. Read More

Skilled labour shortage hurts mining
March 29, 2011

Top North American miners of gold, copper and iron ore say that a sudden ramp-up of mining projects has begun to squeeze labour and equipment and before long will slow or delay projects.

Executives at the Mining and Steel Summit said skilled labour, especially geologists and mining engineers, were hard to come by and lead times on heavy equipment have been stretched out for weeks or months.

While none said their current plans were being stalled by shortages -the largest miners have lengthy planning processes and lucrative compensation packages to keep top talent -but the day was not long off when projects would feel the crunch.

"If you add up all of the projects people want to bring on line, there are not enough qualified workers to make it happen," said Laurie Brlas, chief financial officer for iron ore miner Cliffs Natural Resources, adding, "You are seeing that everywhere. We are definitely seeing it."

Metal prices have advanced to either record or long-term highs since the start of the year, impelling miners to restart idled mines, expand current projects or develop new ones.  



Farmers urged to order tyres now due to shortage

March 24, 2011
Farmers are being warned to prepare for higher tyre costs and to order early due to high raw material prices and a rapidly increasing demand from machinery manufacturers.

The tyre industry is being faced with two issues, according to managing director of Trelleborg, John Westwood. "The original equipment demand has rocketed and it's way ahead of what was predicted. Added to this is the fact that the price of rubber rose by 94% between January 2010 and January 2011. Nearly 42% of this rise was between November 2010 and January 2011."

Part of the problem was a poor natural rubber harvest, although perhaps more influential was a sharp increase in manufacturing both in Europe and worldwide and in particular in China.  Read More



TIA to hold 2012-13 OTR events in Calif., Puerto Rico

DORAL, Fla. (March 9, 2011) — The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will hold its 2012 Off-The-Road Conference in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and the 2013 conference in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.

The 2012 conference, TIA’s 57th OTR gathering, will be held Feb. 15-18 at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. The meeting will follow the traditional schedule of business meetings the mornings of Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Friday sesson will be followed by a 90-minute tabletop supplier exhibition.
A flier with pertinent details can be downloaded from TIA’s website.

The 2013 OTR Conference is scheduled for Feb. 20-23 at the Gran Melia Golf Resort in Rio Grande.
 

Global Resources Spending Soars

Belshina Investing Heavily in Capacity Upgrade
December 15, 2010
Belarusian tire-maker Belshina is currently redeveloping its on- and off-road businesses. A 32.6 million euro upgrade of passenger tire production facilities is close to completion, the company reports.

Off-road tire projects include plans to increase agricultural tire production by 35,900 units a year through the replacement of obsolete plant equipment. In particular, Belshina intends to purchase to agricultural radial assembly units with interchangeable tooling, one for the production of 28- to 34-inch tires and the other for 38- to 42-inch tires. New vulcanization equipment will also be installed. Read More
 

Rubber Prices Continue Upward Climb

December 15, 2010
Even as tire makers pull the trigger on price hikes in an effort to not fall too far behind fast-rising raw material costs, more bad news comes from the natural rubber market.

Dec. 13-14 saw NR post record prices on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange, jumping 1.2% to 400.1 yen per kilogram for May delivery rubber.

All in all, NR prices have increased a whopping 44% this year. Read More

 

Global Resources Spending Soars

December 14, 2010
Global spending on mining will surpass pre-crisis levels next year, according to an emerging industry consensus, highlighting rising confidence in an economic recovery led by China and other fast-growing markets.

The boom in capital expenditures, which extends to the oil, natural gas and agribusinesses, comes amid sharply rising prices for commodities such as copper, iron ore, crude oil, sugar and wheat.

The investment surge also raises the likelihood of short-term bottlenecks in the already stretched supply of equipment and services, and project delays as costs rise.

Global mining expenditure is set to hit a record $115bn-$120bn next year, above the peak of $110bn set in 2008, according to a survey of senior industry executives and consultants.
 

OTR tires in 2011

December 10, 2010
In 2010, the OTR tire market rebounded quite well, thank you very much. And Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) was one of the beneficiaries.

In this question and answer interview, provided to Modern Tire Dealer by Yokohama, [Gary] Nash, [Vice President of Yokohama's OTR tire division] goes into detail about the OTR market in 2009, 2010 and -- by looking into his crystal ball -- 2011. And in case you want to know about his credentials first, know this: He was elected to the Tire Industry Association’s Hall of Fame earlier this year. Read More

 

Caterpillar Leaps to the Top of Mining Equipment

December 9, 2010
Wow! Caterpillar Inc. announced it will purchase Bucyrus Intl. Inc. (BII) for $7.6 billion cash plus assumption of $1 billion of BII debt for a total transaction price of $8.6 billion or $92 per share, a 32% premium to the BII closing price the day before. The deal is expected to close in mid-2011. Read More

 

Caterpillar Hikes Dividend

June 10, 2010
Caterpillar Inc. (CAT - Analyst Report) upped its quarterly dividend by 2 cents to 44 cents in light of increased demand for its equipment and intent to boost shareholder value. This translates to a 5% increase from the prior dividend of 42 cents. The increased dividend will be paid on August 20, 2010, to stockholders of record on July 20, 2010. The shareholders will now enjoy a new dividend yield of 3.1%.

Yokohama rolls out new OTR tires

June 10, 2010
Yokohama Tire Corp. has introduced two OTR tires, the RL42 and the RB42, which are designed for dump trucks but have two different applications.

The RL42 is for hard-packed surfaces and job sites where longer hauls are needed, while the RB42 is made for soft and/or loose surfaces like mud, sand, gravel and rocks.
 

Apollo Tyres Planning China Expansion

June 10, 2010
Apollo Tyres is reportedly working on a strategy to enter China, currently the world's largest tyre producing and exporting market. If Apollo is successful in this venture it would be the first Indian tyre manufaturing company to establish a permanent production presence in China. “We aim to be a global tyre producer with footprints in all corners of the world,” Onkar Kanwar, Apollo Tyres' chairman, said at the launch of the brand in Europe, adding: “Only China is out of bounds right now but we will chart a strategy to be present there as well, through either a joint venture or a contract manufacturing arrangement.“..
 

Rubber prices stabilise as tyre firms defer purchases

June 10, 2010
The price of natural rubber has stabilised in the domestic market on steady arrivals and subdued demand.

Several of the small scale rubber-based industries have shut shop temporarily or permanently as they find iteconomically unviable to operate at the existing high raw material prices and weakening overall demand, Mr N. Radhakrishnan, former President of the Cochin Rubber Merchants Association, said.

Of the monthly domestic demand of approximately 75,000 tonnes, almost 30-35 per cent comes from small-scale rubber industries. As monthly demand has weakened, prices have more or less stabilised at their current highs.

The bigger tyre companies are also deferring bulk purchases, reducing the overall demand
 

Tire Manufacturers Raise Prices

June 1, 2010

Need new tires? Well, you might be hard pressed to find quality brands at discounted prices. Due to higher material costs, manufacturers of popular commercial tire brands have hiked their prices anywhere from 3 to 8 percent.

The following price increases are effective today, June 1, 2010:

•Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has raised its prices on all consumer tires in North America 8 percent.

•Michelin North America Inc. raised prices on its U.S. replacement truck tires between 3 percent and 7 percent. Read More



Japan's Industrial Production Rises Most in 56 Years

June 28, 2009 Bloomberg - USA

"The impact of China's infrastructure building has started to emerge," Taizo Kayata, senior executive officer in charge of China operations at Komatsu Ltd.,
 

See all stories on this topic Read More»

Caterpillar suffers amid economic downturn

June 28, 2009

It also faces strong competition, such as from Japan's Komatsu in the Chinese market. Caterpillar earnings are expected to decline 79 percent this year ...

See all stories on this topic Read More»


E.U. Says Europe Faces Deep Recession

MAY 05, 2009

The commission, the executive arm of the European Union, forecast in its spring quarterly economic forecasts that gross domestic product in both the European Union and the euro area would contract by 4 percent this year and by 0.1 percent next y

Read More»

TOPWRAP 2-Emerging giants offer hope global economy turning

MAY 04, 2009

SINGAPORE, May 4 (Reuters) - The manufacturing sectors in China and India grew for the first time in months in April, surveys showed on Monday, offering evidence the global economy may be through the worst of its sharpest slump in six decades.

The latest signs of "green shoots" from the world's emerging giants followed U.S. data on Friday that showed a rise in consumer confidence and suggested manufacturing conditions were gradually improving, helping push Asian stocks to seven-month highs on Monday.

Read More»



Consumer, manufacturing indexes signal economic recovery

MAY 04, 2009

The economy may be on the road to recovery, according to recent manufacturing and consumer confidence figures. The factory index released in March by the Institute for Supply Management rose from 36.3 to 40.1.

An index reading below 50 indicates a contraction. Meanwhile, an index of consumer sentiment released by Reuters/University of Michigan climbed to 65.1 and posted its largest increase in two years.

Read More»


Caterpillar CEO urges another round of infrastructure stimulus

MAY 04, 2009

Jim Owens, the chairman and chief executive officer of Caterpillar, urged the U.S. government to consider another round of stimulus spending for infrastructure.

The $787 billion stimulus package allocated $70 billion for infrastructure this year, which translates to 6.5% of 2008 total construction spending

Read More»


Gold price is not going to $2,000 an ounce

MAY 04, 2009

Before you gag on your coffee or suffer chest pains, allow me to explain.

We’re about eight years into the bull market, and gold has breached the $1,000 level twice and has spent weeks trading above the old high of $850. Some observers are now saying that gold’s pretty much had its day and that once the recession is over, it will retreat for good.

Read More»


Bay Street Stocks Surge More Than 2% On Higher Commodity Prices - Canadian Comm

MAY 04, 2009

(RTTNews) - Resource stocks received a boost from rising commodity prices again on Monday as Toronto's main index climbed notably higher again. With the rally, the index rose above 9,600 for the first time since November.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index added 192.14 points or 2.02% to move at 9,688.85. Bay Street's major index added to sharp gains from the previous session and moved above a resistance level.

Read More»

Apollo to Decide on European Plant After Acquisition

MAY 04, 2009

"No option is closed out for us in Europe. However, once the integration process with Vredestein Banden BV is over, we will be better placed to take a concrete call on Hungary or another manufacturing unit in Europe, depending on the global and European economic conditions and European market needs," Apollo Tyres Vice-Chairman and Joint MD Niraj Kanwar told PTI.

Read More»

Natural rubber prices up

MAY 03, 2009

Natural rubber prices which dropped drastically last November, had increased during the past few weeks.

The Director General Rubber Development Department Wimal Rubasingha said that the trend of price increase of natural rubber could be seen in the local market and the international market during the last few months.

Read More»


More Layoffs Planned at Bridgestone OTR Plant

MAY 01, 2009

The latest layoffs, effective at the end of work yesterday, involve hourly workers making smaller to mid-sized off road tires, for which demand has shrunk.

Read More»

Titan reports sales, income declines

April 29, 2009

Titan International Inc. posted sales of $232.6 million on net income of $7 million during the first quarter of 2009. That compares to sales of $253.5 million on net income of $8.1 million achieved during the first quarter of 2008.

On the upside, Titan reports that its agricultural product sales totaled $187.3 million during the quarter, an all-time high for the company, vs. $173.5 million in the first quarter of 2008.

Read More»


Munk forecasts currency, economy fears will send gold to new record highs

Friday , 30 Jan 2009

Gold is likely to hit new record highs, spurred by serious concern about the U.S. currency and doubt about the state of the world economy, the chairman of Barrick Gold Corp. said on Thursday.

There was even a possibility, although not a probability, central banks, including China's, might start to switch from dollar holdings to gold, which could cause the metal's price to treble or more.

Read More»

Bridgestone OTR Plant to Double Giant Tire Production

Publish date: Jan 27, 2009

Bridgestone Firestone Off Road Tire eventually will be able to produce 70% to 80% more of the giant tires because of the new machinery, said plant manager Greg Halford.

Parent company Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire in Nashville, Tenn., provided $5.5 million for all of the transportation costs and components of the plant’s new giant pot heater, which is used in the final stage of the tire-making process, Halford said. Read More»



Small OTR tire supply improving

Publish date: Dec 30, 2008

Giant OTR tires may still be in short supply, but supply of smaller OTR tires, including 25-inch tires, continues to catch up with demand.

"There is a prominent overstock of small bias and radial tires right now," Gary Nash, director of OTR sales for Yokohama Tire Corp., recently told www.moderntiredealer.com. Read More»


Titan chief forecasts prosperous New Year for the off-road tire company

Publish date: Dec 22, 2008

Titan International Chairman and CEO Maurice M. Taylor Jr. has presented his goals for the company in 2009, including a look at 2008’s results.

In December 2007, Taylor stated that Titan should end 2008 with $920 million to $1 billion in revenue; at this point he believes Titan’s 2008's revenues could top $1 billion. Read More»

Apollo may sell OTR tires in North America

Publish date: Nov 25, 2008

Indian tiremaker Apollo Tyres Ltd. sees the OTR tire market as a "very big opportunity in the future," especially in North America, says Neeraj Kanwar, Apollo's vice chairman.

"That will be our foray into North America," he recently told www.moderntiredealer.com. Apollo will start manufacturing 63-inch OTR tires next year. Read More»


Titan CEO says revenue will rise in 2009

Associated Press, 12.08.08, 02:19 PM EST

Titan International Inc., which makes wheels and tires for large off-road vehicles used in construction and other industries, should post revenue of $1.175 billion to $1.35 billion next year, up from about $1 billion this year, the chief executive said Monday.

Shares of the company jumped $1.55, or 24 percent, to $8.02 in afternoon trading. They have plunged since hitting a 52-week high of $37.99 in July.

Read More»
 

Tire Tips to Take to the Bank

Equipment Today, July 10, 2008

The recent shortage of earthmover tires has taught contractors a lot about the role tires play in the overall cost of doing business. "The tire shortage that plagued the industry for the previous years has lightened significantly," says Cara Junkins, director of sales and marketing, Titan. "During that time though, a lot of operators learned how to watch tire costs and do what was necessary to elongate the life of their tires." Read More»

Takeover targets: Australian mining services

International Herald Tribune, July 10, 2008

HONG KONG: Riding the commodity boom but struggling with costs, the mining services industry looks headed for a batch of takeovers.

While the sector is no stranger to acquisitions, slowing growth has buried stock prices of many companies this year, making them more affordable to prospective buyers.

One deal already under way is a 436 million Australian dollar, or $418 million, hostile bid by the Australian construction company Macmahon Holdings for the mining and utilities contractor Ausdrill. Macmahon is looking to bulk up as its principal mining customers also merge. Read More»

MMTC keeps to plan of marketing Chinese commercial vehicle tyres

Hindu Business Line, July 10, 2008

Notwithstanding the negative impact of a depreciating rupee, MMTC sticks to its plan of marketing Chinese commercial vehicle tyres - primarily radial tyres - in India.

The public sector trading major has already identified a US-based tyre maker having a production base in China as the possible source of imports on a long-term basis. The first bulk order is expected to be placed in September-October.

Plans on import of high tonnage OTR (off-the-road) tyres are yet to be firmed up due to an availability crisis. Such tyres are primarily used by the mining industry in earth-moving equipment. Read More»

Lawmakers: Cheap Chinese tires threaten U.S. jobs

Associated Press, July 8, 2008

Lawmakers say more than 1,000 tire manufacturing jobs in Iowa and Illinois are threatened by unfair competition from low-priced Chinese tire imports.

Illinois Congressman Don Manzullo has constituents in Freeport who work for the Titan Tire plant. He says he does not know how much more Midwest communities can take after losing one industry after another.

He was one lawmaker who testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission, calling for a level playing field for American manufacturers of the off-the-road tires used in agriculture and mining.

The U.S. Commerce Department imposed anti-dumping duties on their tires earlier this year.

The trade commission will either recommend President Bush keep the duties or take other action against the Chinese.

U.S. Rep. Boswell: Will Testify Before The International Trade Commission

Iowa Politics.com, July 7, 2008

CONGRESSMAN BOSWELL TO TESTIFY BEFORE THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION TOMORROW, TUESDAY, JULY 8

IN SUPPORT OF RELIEF UNDER U.S. TRADE REMEDY LAWS FOR TIRE MANUFACTURERS IN 3 RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Congressman Leonard Boswell will be testifying before the International Trade Commission (ITC) in support of a petition filed by the Titan Tire Corporation, which has a plant in Des Moines, and the United Steel Workers (USW) seeking relief under U.S. Trade Remedy laws. Titan and the USW brought a case to the U.S. International Trade Commission concerning China dumping off-the-road (OTR) tires in the U.S.

Last December, the Department of Commerce preliminarily determined that the Chinese Government was unfairly subsidizing Chinese OTR tire producers and is expected to make a final decision today, Monday, July 7, 2008. It is expected that the ITC will vote as to whether the domestic industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by Chinese imports on August 11th.
 

COPPER MINING - $100M equipment ordered for Gibraltar

Canadian Mining Journal, July 6, 2008

BRITISH COLUMBIA – Vancouver's TASEKO MINES has ordered mining and milling equipment worth $100 million for the expansion of its Gibraltar copper-molybdenum mine at Williams Lake. The company has entered into agreements to buy two Bucyrus 495 shovels, a Bucyrus 409R production drill, four 240-t Terex trucks and a 8.5-m semi-autogenous mill (SAG).

Delivery of the equipment will take place over the next two years. The trucks will arrive later this year, one shovel and drill will arrive in the spring of 2009, and the second shovel in late 2009. The SAG mill and motors should arrive in May 2010 for commissioning by August that year. The addition of the SAG mill will boost milling capacity by 30,000 t/d, bringing total mill capacity to 85,000 t/d.

Titan 63-inch Radial Gets OK

Tire Review, July 2, 2008

Titan Tire has released its new 63-inch steel-belted radial OTR tire to full production at its Bryan, Ohio, plant.
The 59/80R63 radials will begin full production as of July 7.

“We believe this is the beginning of a change in the specialty tire and wheel business worldwide,” said Titan Chairman and CEO Morry Taylor. “This tire should out-perform any tire out there and we think as production moves forward, we should continue to find more ways to improve these giant tires.

“The first 12 sets of tires should be shipped to Canada’s tar sands in July. It is Titan’s goal to ship a minimum of 900 giant 63-inch tires before year-end.” (Tire Review/Akron)

Triangle Presents Diamond Back Range at Reifen

Tire Review, July 2, 2008

In its more than three decades of operation Triangle Tire has grown to become one of China’s top tyre manufacturers in terms of output.
Annually the company produces, says Triangle, around 20 million units. Of this figure, radials account for as much as 16.5 million units, and the company claims to be the largest tyre manufacturer and exporter in China.

At the Reifen show, sales manager Victor Wang spoke with Tyres & Accessories about numerous recent developments at Triangle Tire. Of particular significance, commented Wang, is a new product line introduced by the company. Called Diamond Back, the passenger car and SUV range is available in four distinct patterns, including the UHP TR968. Boasting some 20 sizes between 17 and 24-inches, the W and V speed rated range offers, says Wang, low rolling resistance, a high grip tread compound and rim protection flange on the sidewall. Read More»
 

Senior Goodyear Experts to Speak at American Tire Corporation

PR Web, June 23, 2008

American Tire Corporation (ATC) is pleased to announce that it will have a number of speeches on Goodyear and its OTR tires from Goodyear OTR tire experts at ATC's California facility on June 23 and thereafter.

As part of ATC's effort to buy Goodyear's Topeka OTR tire plant, such speeches will be delivered by senior Goodyear experts with an OTR tire experience of more than 70 years in total. ATC's local employees will have opportunities to attend such events and know more on Goodyear and its OTR tires. Q&A sessions will be followed.

ATC is going to set up a negotiation team late this year to negotiate with Goodyear. Such events will be held on a regular basis until its purchase of Goodyear's Topeka OTR tire plant is finally realized.

With the objective to become the largest and best manufacturer for 63" and 57" tires, American Tire Corporation is a well-established OTR tire manufacturer which has a number of operations in different US states and other countries. ATC has created several "firsts" in the OTR tire industry.

Bigger is better -- Yearwood Tire focuses on giant OTR tire retreading, repair

Modern Tire Dealer, June 20, 2008

Talking with John Yearwood, it doesn’t take long to realize he’s a person who enjoys his work. “It’s neat to be able to retread the largest tires in the world,” he says. “There aren’t that many of us out there!”

His company, Yearwood Tire, a single-location dealership in Victoria, Texas, specializes in giant OTR tire repair and retreading. In fact, that’s all the company does.

“We just took delivery of a 170-inch curing kettle,” says Yearwood, who runs the company with his son, Scott. The kettle -- which was made by Melco Steel Inc. in Asuza, Calif. -- stands 16 feet tall, is 17 feet wide and weighs 65,000 pounds.

It represents a total investment of $500,000, according to Yearwood, who says his company has more than enough volume to justify the expenditure. “We’re retreading about 80 giant OTR tires a month.” Read More»


Michelin's $90 million investment to add capacity, productivity at Lexington site

GreenvilleOnline.com, June 19, 2008

Michelin North America is investing an additional $90 million to upgrade equipment and further expand production capacity at the company’s Lexington manufacturing site - less than a year after it announced a $110 million investment there, officials said Thursday.

"The marketplace is moving rapidly," said Michael Fanning, Michelin vice president of corporate affairs. "We recognized additional investments were needed."

The $110 million investment at the twin facilities -- passenger/light truck tire and earthmover tire facilities on one campus - was part of a $350 million investment Michelin announced last August for its four major manufacturing sites in the state. The $90 million is in addition to that. Read More»

Massive investment - OTR tiremakers continue to ramp up production. Meanwhile, would you believe an 81-inch tire?

Modern Tire Dealer, June 17, 2008

We’re doing our best to build giant OTR tires.” Those words from Abraham Hengyucius, president of Chino, Calif.-based American Tire Corp. (ATC), echoed the messages delivered by other tire manufacturers at the 2008 Tire Industry Association Off-the-Road Tire Conference, which was held in late February in Kohala Coast, Hawaii.

OTR tire suppliers used the event as a forum to share their plans for investing in further OTR tire production. Here’s what executives from each of the major OTR tire manufacturers had to say during a panel discussion moderated by Modern Tire Dealer Publisher Greg Smith:Read More»

Tyre prices to go up for second time this year

The Star Online, June 13, 2008

EFFECTIVE July 1, the price of tyres will go up by between 5% and 18%, China Press reported.

In its front-page report yesterday, the daily highlighted that service charge at tyre shops would also be increased by 20%.

Quoting a spokesman for the Tyre Retreading Manufacturers’ Association of Malaysia, the daily reported that manufacturers were finding it hard to make ends meet.

"Initially the association wanted to increase the price of tyres by 25%. But fearing a backlash from consumers, we decided to raise it to between 5% and 18%," he told the daily. Read More»

Grupo Mexico CEO defends Asarco transfer

Arizona Daily Star, June 11, 2008

The head of the Mexican conglomerate that once controlled Tucson copper company Asarco LLC sold its shares in lucrative Peruvian mines and eventually allowed the company to go bankrupt to protect it, not destroy it, he says.
Germán Larrea, CEO of Grupo Mexico, under subpoena by a federal judge, was on the witness stand for more than five hours Tuesday and defended the Mexico City-based company's handling of Asarco's affairs. Read More»

India’s Tyre Output Growth Falls Short of Forecasts

Tire Review, June 11, 2008

Growth in India’s tyre production is likely to fall short of forecast results, with output levels hampered by dumped Chinese tyres and high manufacturing costs.
According to Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA) director general Rajiv Budhraja, in an interview with Reuters, these factors mean domestic manufacturers will remain under pressure in the short term.

The ATMA previously forecasted growth in 2008 to increase by 2% to 3%, to about 12% or 13%. According to Budhraja, however, “a steady, subdued growth” is now expected in place of this. “Fuel price is going to be a major dampener," he added, referring to a recent state-ordained 10% increase in the cost of fuel, the greatest price rise in more than a decade. He added that a drop in mileage covered by private vehicles would lead to a fall in demand for tyres in both the OE and replacement markets. Read More»

Central Texas Retreading Announces New Oliver Rubber Retreading Facility

Layover Community, June 9, 2008

Central Texas Retreading of Elm Mott, Texas announced today that it will install an Oliver Rubber retreading facility that will begin making Oliver® brand commercial retreads on June 15, 2008.

Todd Calandra, the president of Central Texas Retreading, said," Oliver was our choice in retreading because we could install an efficient shop at a reasonable cost and produce the highest quality retreads.  As an Oliver retreader, you also are able to serve a market area that is not overcrowded with other Oliver dealers. Our plan is to sell Oliver retreads from as far north as Dallas and as far south as San Antonio." Read More»

Michelin raising price of its tires

GreenvilleOnline.com, June 5, 2008

Michelin is boosting the price of its tires as a result of continuing increases it is facing in raw material, energy and transportation costs, officials said.

But it also is experiencing an escalating interest in its X One wide single tire for commercial trucks as diesel fuel costs hit $4.77 a gallon, said Pete Selleck, president of Michelin Group’s worldwide truck business.

The tire maker announced plans to increase the prices of its Michelin, BFGoodrich and Kleber brand agricultural and compact line tires sold in the United States and Canada by between 6 percent and 36 percent, effective July 1, spokeswoman Lynn Mann said in a written statement. Read More»

Goodyear Commercial Tire Price Increase

Tire Review, June 5, 2008

Citing continued increases in raw material, energy and transportation costs, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. confirmed it is increasing the prices of some of its commercial tires up to 9%, effective July 1.
The Goodyear, Dunlop and Kelly brands in North America are affected by the increase.

In addition, the company has increased commercial tire retread rubber prices up to 9% and OTR tire tread rubber prices up to 12%, each effective June 1. Goodyear increased commercial tire prices up to 7% on April 1.

International Tyre Exhibitors Sign Up for Tyrexpo Asia’09

Reifen Press, June 5, 2008

International exhibitors are already confirming plans for the new products and displays designed to catch the eye of tyre industry buyers at next year’s Tyrexpo Asia March’09 exhibition. For Singapore-based manufacturer and distributor Omni United, the sales focus next March has already been agreed as its Radar ranges of bus and truck tyres, designed in India and manufactured in China. Radar OTR tyres will also form a very prominent stand presence, with products ranging in size to cover mining and industrial equipment from 21 to giant 57-inch wheel sizes. Read More»

American Tire Corporation to Buy Gold and Copper Mines

PRWeb, June 4, 2008

Many gold and copper mines operate dump trucks with 57" and 63" giant OTR tires which are American Tire Corporation's primary product to supply. American Tire Corporation is going to combine mining and tire production together to further its business in USA.

Chino, CA (PRWEB) June 4, 2008 -- American Tire Corporation (ATC) is pleased to announce that it has interest in purchasing some large gold and copper mines located in USA.

ATC produces all sizes of OTR tires with competitive quality for mining operations globally. In order to further expand the business, ATC decides to enter into the operation of mining industry. According to the plan, ATC will not only run some gold and copper mines, but will also satisfy whatever OTR tire needs from all ATC-purchased mines to maximize the capacity of mining production.

Yokohama to Put Up Consumer Tyre Prices

Reifen Press, June 4, 2008

Yokohama Tire Corporation have announced that increases in U.S. consumer prices will come into effect on 1st July 2008 due to the rising costs of energy and raw materials.

In addition, consumers can expect to see in-line adjustments announced at a later date, while commercial Light Truck, Medium Truck and OTR (off-the-road) tyre prices will not be affected.

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing division of the Tokyo-based Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., with a network of 4,500 points of sale in the U.S..

ATMA asks govt to impose anti-dumping duty on Chinese tyres

The Economic Times, June 2, 2008

Worried by massive 1300 per cent jump in tyre imports from China in the last five years, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) today asked government to immediately impose an anti-dumping duty on import of radial truck and bus tyres.

"The truck and bus tyre import in the country has jumped by a massive 1300 per cent during the last five years. According to data released by DGCIS&S, Government of India and corroborated by ATMA, the truck and bus tyre imports have gone up from 88,000 in 2003-04 to 12.17 lakh in 2007-08," the association said in a statement. Read More»



MICHELIN : OLIVER RUBBER COMPANY ANNOUNCES PRICE INCREASE

NYSE Euronext, May 28, 2008

Due to the continued escalation of raw material costs, Oliver Rubber Company will increase prices for its retread rubber products by 5 percent effective June 1, 2008.

Oliver Rubber Company has sold retread rubber products and equipment since 1912. It sells retread rubber under the Oliver and MegaMile brands for commercial, industrial and OTR tires. Oliver Rubber has a network of Oliver brand licensees throughout North America. It operates a retread rubber production facility in Asheboro, N.C. and a retread equipment division in Salisbury, N.C. The company, headquartered in Greenville, S.C., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Michelin North America, Inc.

Gigantic wheels turning Titan Tire factory into a hub of new activity

toledoblade.com, May 27, 2008

This Williams County seat, already home to the Etch A Sketch drawing toy and Dum Dum pops, soon will have a third claim to fame: gigantic tires.

Titan International Tire Co. has begun test production at its Bryan plant of a new 63-inch mega-tire that it plans to sell to the mining industry, which is booming due to high demand worldwide for gold, iron ore, coal and other minerals.

The first prototype that plant managers have unofficially dubbed the Super OTR (for off-the-road), was lifted out of its assembly area Feb. 15 and since then Titan has built a few each month, shipping then shipped them to company headquarters in Quincy, Ill., for testing.

Exactly when real production will start is a closely-guarded secret, but Titan officials are confident it will happen this summer and by year's end the Bryan plant expects to build up to 20 of the 13,000-pound tires daily. Read More»

Massive investment -- OTR tiremakers continue to ramp up production. Meanwhile, would you believe an 81-inch tire?

Modern Tire Dealer, May 16, 2008

"We’re doing our best to build giant OTR tires." Those words from Abraham Hengyucius, president of Chino, Calif.-based American Tire Corp. (ATC), echoed the messages delivered by other tire manufacturers at the 2008 Tire Industry Association Off-the-Road Tire Conference, which was held in late February in Kohala Coast, Hawaii.

OTR tire suppliers used the event as a forum to share their plans for investing in further OTR tire production. Here’s what executives from each of the major OTR tire manufacturers had to say during a panel discussion moderated by Modern Tire Dealer Publisher Greg Smith: Read More»

Goodyear rolls out hiring opportunities

The Topeka Capital-Journal, May 15, 2008

Amid a slow economy, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. put out the word it is hiring.

In recent days, the company's Topeka manufacturing facility advertised for applicants over the radio, in print ads, direct mailings and at a job fair.

But as hundreds of job seekers came to Wednesday's job fair at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, the tire maker wasn't saying how many people it would add to the payroll. Read More»

Tyrexpo Africa Continues to Grow

Reifen Press, May 8, 2008

The second staging of the Tyrexpo Africa exhibition was generally perceived to be successful by exhibitor companies, who welcomed an increased number of industry buyers and delegates at the recent exhibition in Johannesburg. Tyres & Accessories was there and this month brings you the exhibitor highlights in the context of the current business environment. Read More»

Yokohama to Expand OTR Plant

Tire Review, May 13, 2008

The Yokohama Rubber Co. announced it will carry out a fourth-phase expansion of its Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture Plant to manufacture Off-the-Road (OTR) tires for use on mining and construction vehicles.
 
With an investment of 6 billion yen, Yokohama Rubber will increase the plant's monthly production capacity by 600 tons to a total of 2,500 tons in fiscal year 2011 (year ending March 31, 2011). While Yokohama Rubber initially planned to achieve this capacity by 2012, vigorous OTR tire demand has driven it to a decision to move up the schedule by one year, the company said.

Yokohama has already pushed forward with the expansion of its Onomichi Plant since 2007. In 2011, when the fourth phase expansion is completed, the plant's production capacity is scheduled to reach 2.2 times what is was in 2007. (Tire Review/Akron)

Purcell Tire Acquires D&D Tire

Biz Journals, May 6, 2008

Purcell Tire and Rubber Co. bought D&D Tire Inc. and its 10 tire service centers, mine servicing sites, an off-the-road repair facility and a retreading plant for an undisclosed amount, the company announced Monday.

Potosi, Mo.-based Purcell plans to operate D&D as a wholly-owned subsidiary through the end of the year then transition D&D operations into Purcell's existing operating units where a single brand will be launched. Fernley, Nev.-based D&D has 180 employees. Read More»

Bridgestone's buy of Firestone, 20 years Later

Ohio.com, May 5, 2008

It was a buyout that helped transform Akron.

Twenty years ago this month, Bridgestone Corp. completed its $2.6 billion acquisition of venerable but troubled Akron industrial giant Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. The sudden, and stunning, Japanese takeover of an American corporate icon became national news.

The anniversary also arrives during a month when Bridgestone Firestone employees will come up with a recommendation on the future of their North American technical center and its 600 jobs in Akron. Read More»

EU charges Bridgestone, Yokohama and Trelleborg with price-fixing

International Herald Tribune, May 2, 2008

EU regulators have charged Bridgestone Corp., Yokohama Tires and Trelleborg AB with breaking antitrust rules — a move that can lead to large fines — the companies said Friday.

Bridgestone, Japan's largest tire maker, said on its Web site that it had received formal notification of charges regarding a cartel it allegedly formed with rivals to fix prices for maritime hoses used to load and unload oil tankers. Read More»

Making OTR Tyres Last Longer

Reifen Press, May 2, 2008

The ongoing global off-the-road (OTR) and earthmover (EM) tyre shortage continues to cause headaches for the quarrying and mining industries. Woeful tales of expensive tyres, big machines standing idle, lost production and reduced revenues come from all corners of the world - all for want of the right tyre. That’s why this month’s OTR and EM tyre feature sees Tyres & Accessories explore the range of options available for those seeking to help their customers keep their OTR machinery going. Read More»

Michelin Announces Tire Price Increases In North America

EasyBourse.com, April 30, 2008

PARIS -(Dow Jones)- French tire maker Michelin (12126.FR) said Wednesday it is increasing the prices of some of its tire lines up to 8% in North America in an effort to offset mounting raw material prices and energy and transportation costs.

Earthmover and industrial tire prices, including items on back-order, will increase up to 8% on products sold across North America effective June 1st.

Passenger and light truck replacement tire prices will increase up to 8% on Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, private and associate brand tires sold in the U.S.

This increase is effective for all shipments scheduled on or after July 1, the company said.
-By David Pearson, Dow Jones Newswires; +331 4017 1740, david.pearson@dowjones.com

Titan to Raise Aftermarket Prices by up to 35%

Reifen Presse, April 30, 2008

Titan Tire Corporation has scheduled an increase in prices for aftermarket Titan, Goodyear and General branded OTR, farm and construction tyres, taking effect June 1, 2008. These increases will vary between 4 and 34 per cent, and the decision to implement the new prices is said to have resulted from rising costs for natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black, fabric, energy and transportation

Mining giant BHP attacks Rio's performance

Business Spectator, April 23, 2008

BHP Billiton chief executive Marius Kloppers has launched an attack on takeover target Rio Tinto's past "underperformance" and growth prospects, in another sign the battle between the two companies has become hostile.

Mr Kloppers told the Financial Times that Rio boss Tom Albanese has been outperformed by BHP in terms of volume growth, earnings per share growth, returns to shareholders and share price performance. Read More»

WASHINGTON DIARY: Commodity price bubble - Dr Manzur Ejaz

Daily Times, April 23, 2008

If governments of developing countries continue to pander to global capitalist forces, running after imaginary foreign investments that are not there anyway, they will be vulnerable to the highest levels of internal unrest and destruction

Rising commodity prices have left fragile developing economies neither here nor there. Developing countries pressured or advised by the World Bank, IMF and the US, opened their markets to attract foreign investments. For most of them, real foreign investments have remained illusive because it was a zero sum game to start with. However, global speculative capitalist forces, unhindered by national restrictions, have started destroying them at an accelerated speed. Read More»

Spot rubber prices rise further

Sify, April 22, 2008

Kottayam: Physical rubber prices posted moderate gains on Monday. Covering groups and purchase agents continued to procure the raw material as major manufacturers were buyers on sheet rubber up to Rs 110.50 a kg during the previous week. The grade moved up to Rs 112 from Rs 111 a kg both at Kottayam and Kochi amidst low arrivals. Read More»

American Tire Corp. announces proposal to Goodyear for OTR tire plant

Modern Tire Dealer, April 21, 2008

American Tire Corp. says it would like to buy Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s OTR tire manufacturing plant in Topeka, Kan.

American Tire Corp. (ATC) says it would like to buy Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s OTR tire manufacturing plant in Topeka, Kan.

ATC says it sent a proposal dated April 21, 2008, to Goodyear's board of directors. Under the proposal, ATC would buy Goodyear's 63-year-old OTR tire plant "at any reasonable price," then spend $200 million to modernize it and increase production capacity by 20%.

In official response to ATC's press release, Goodyear had this to say:

"We have not received any communication from American Tire Corp. and, thus, have no comment on the news release.

"We are very pleased with the performance of our OTR business and continue to see opportunities for Goodyear in this business. We have not announced plans, or an intention, to sell any part of this business."

According to an ATC official, this proposed acquisition would not affect the building of its OTR tire manufacturing plant in Washington (see "American Tire Corp. says plans for new radial OTR tire plant are moving forward," Dec. 31, 2007).

Titan begins testing of new 63-inch tire

Modern Tire Dealer, April 18, 2008

Titan International Inc. began testing its 63-inch OTR tire on a newly constructed 24-foot wheel this week. Titan says the test wheel is the largest in the world.

Titan International Inc. began testing its 63-inch OTR tire on a newly constructed 24-foot wheel this week. Titan says the test wheel is the largest in the world.

Titan produced its first 63-inch tire two months ago. The tire stands 13.5 feet tall and weighs 12,500 pounds.

The company's test wheel can be loaded with up to 500,000 pounds and operated at a top speed of 45 miles per hour.

"Testing will confirm the casing of the tire and its heat characteristics," say company officials. "Ten days of testing is equivalent to one year of field use."

China's Big-Tire Manufacturers Could Offer a Comfortable Ride

The Wall Street Journal, April 18, 2008

SHANGHAI, China -- Investors hoping to ride China's transportation boom should take a look at the companies that make the giant tires that help keep the economy rolling along, analysts say.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of new heavy trucks and engineering vehicles get onto Chinese roads. They work at mines and construction sites and move goods. About 70% of the all-steel radial tires these vehicles use are supplied by homegrown tire makers, which also have a growing export business.

Analysts say these companies could provide some protection for investors when China's stock market -- red-hot most of last year ..

My Kingdom for a Tire

Business Week, April 10, 2008

On the plant floor at RDH Tire & Retread in Cleveland, N.C., about 60 workers do nothing all day but retread giant tires that have come off of mining equipment—giant meaning 12 feet tall, 40 feet around, and 13,000 pounds. A tire retreading shop is fairly quiet as factory settings go. You'll hear lots of dull thuds as hammers whack away at the vulcanized rubber that makes up most of the tire. There's an occasional whoosh of an air hose sweeping away debris and dust. Now and then, high-pitched whines pierce the air as workers grind broken bits of metal that make up the tire's interior radial belt. Read More»

Fuzzy 'Fix'

Tire Review, April 7, 2008

Ill-Placed Countervailing Duties Counter to Free Market Economy

Been thinking about this whole Chinese tire-International Trade Commission/Commerce Department matter. And it is a difficult one, to be sure.

I am not necessarily a fan, for instance, of good manufacturing jobs leaving these shores. But I do understand – and agree with – the concept of a Free Market Economy. You know, the one where winning and losing is determined by market forces and not government intervention. Read More»

Miners Grapple With Chronic Off-Road Tire Shortage

Tire Review, April 1, 2008

(Dow Jones MarketWatch) A chronic global shortage of giant off-road tires for earthmovers and mining equipment is having some unusual consequences.

OTR tires are starting to show up on auction sites like eBay Inc., offered for sale at prices that most people pay for a mid-sized car, and manufacturers are trying to teach customers how to make their tires last longer. The worldwide shortage of giant tires up to 12 feet in diameter is a reflection of the mining boom that started in the early part of this decade when China and other emerging economies started demanding vast quantities of raw materials to fuel their growth, pushing up prices to unprecedented levels. Read More

MITAS Announces 25-Inch Earthmover Tyre, Further Sizes to Follow

Reifen Presse, March 31, 2008

Czech Republic based manufacturer MITAS a.s. is expanding its Mitas brand earthmover radial range with the addition of a 25-inch size. The company reports that trial production of this new product is already underway, and serial production will commence in the second half of the year. Read More»

Earthmover and mining tyres available from Agora Tire

Ferret.com.au, March 19, 2008

Agora Tire supplies a wide range of earthmover tyres, mining tyres, and loader and dozer tyres. The earthmover tyres and mining tyres supplied by Agora Tire can be used for a variety of industrial applications. Agora Tire also distributes a range of customised tyres suitable for variable industrial and mining applications. The earthmover tyres supplied by Agora Tire have cut resistance, heat resistance, wear resistance and shock burst resistance capabilities. Agora Tire distributes large treaded tyres manufactured by Colorado suitable for heavy vehicle transportation applications. Read More»

OTR tyre manufacturer upping its production to cope with demand

Mining Weekly, March 14, 2008

To tackle the problem of global earthmoving equipment tyre shortages, the manufacturer of the first radial tyre, Michelin, is investing a large amount of money to increase its capacity to manufacture of-the-road (OTR) tyres. The company predicts that the demand for OTR tyres will continue until 2012.

The company is expanding its Lexington plant, in the US, and it opened a new plant in Campo Grande, Brazil, to increase its capacity for production of OTR tyres by 40%, by 2010.

The expansion of its Lexington plant was announced in 2005. The objective of this expansion is to increase the production of 51, 57 and 63 radial tyres for surface mining by 50% before the end of this year. This will lead to an increase of 12 900 t, compared with production for 2007. Read More»

Michelin Showcases First Tyre From Brazil OTR Facility

Reifen Presse, March 12, 2008

The official dedication of Michelin’s new OTR tyre facility in Campo Grande, Brazil, took place in February, and the company is displaying the first tyre produced at the plant, a Michelin XDT, at the 2008 ConExpo-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas between March 11 and 15. The tyre has been autographed by employees at the Campo Grande facility. Read More»

Goodyear to idle hundreds locally

CJOnline, March 6, 2008

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. will shut down its radial truck tire business in Topeka for six days during the Easter holiday because of lower demand from the trucking industry.

The radial truck tire business is experiencing a softening because of lower demand for original equipment semitrailer tires, economic softness, rising fuel costs and high raw material expenses, according to rubber tire and trucking experts.
Read More»

Egypt imposes dumping duty on Indian, Chinese tyres

Reuters India, March 8, 2008

CAIRO (Reuters) - The Egyptian government has imposed a dumping duty for the next five years on new bus and truck tyres imported of Indian or Chinese origin, the state news agency MENA said on Saturday.

Trade and Industry Minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid imposed the duty to encourage investment in Egyptian production of tyres of this type and to create new jobs in the sector, it added.
It did not say how much the duty would be and ministry officials were not immediately available to comment.

Rachid said that within 12 or 18 months a joint Egyptian-Chinese industrial area west of Cairo would start producing all kinds of components for the vehicle industry

Rubber prices continue to soar

CommodityOnline, March 5, 2008

Natural rubber market is witnessing an upward movement now with fears of production fall and global price rise looming large.

According to market experts, rubber Futures opened firm on Wednesday on depleting stocks in warehouses. Read More»

Indian tire manufacturer enters OTR market

Modern Tire Dealer, March 5, 2008

Indian tire manufacturer Apollo Tyres Ltd. has begun construction on its first OTR tire plant, which will build 25-inch through 57-inch tires.

The factory -- which will be based in Limda, India -- is expected to be fully functional within the next 15 months. It will have an initial capacity of 10 tons a day and will increase to 60 tons a day within the next three years.

"We will begin production with the convenient cross-ply tires, which are used in India," says Onkar Kanwar, Apollo Tyres' chairman.

"Over the next two years, we will manufacture radial OTR tires, which are currently not produced in India."

Kanwar adds that "various earthmover equipment manufacturers have shown eagerness to get into agreements with us that allow them exclusive access to our OTR production."

Major European Tire Manufacturer Purchases Advanced ID Tire Products

Business Wire, February 28, 2008

DERBYSHIRE, England--Advanced ID Corporation, a leading developer of radio frequency identification ("RFID") technology for livestock tracking, pet recovery and supply chain applications focusing on the tire management industry, today announced that its Pneu-Logic Ltd. subsidiary has sold nine tire maintenance systems to a leading European-based original equipment manufacture ("OEM") of tires for passenger and commercial vehicles. The sales are part of an international test being conducted by the OEM on truck tires in Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. In addition, Pneu-Logic has entered into Latin America through this test program with tire maintenance systems sales for use on commercial tires in Brazil. The European-based OEM also is a leading producer of commercial truck tires in Brazil.

The name of the OEM will be released upon successful completion of the three month trial toward the end of the first quarter of 2008, at which time a significant purchase order will be placed for a global launch of the product through the customer’s entire truck tire operations. Read More»

OTR offer TotalTyreLogic Service in Scotland

HUB, February 27, 2008

TotalTyreLogic, OTR's 'cradle to grave' earthmover tyre management system, is making a big impact in Scotland's quarrying industry.

Already in use in more than 30 quarries in Scotland, TotalTyreLogic is proving its worth with major quarrying groups, appreciating the 'total' service offered from OTR - from sourcing and supply of tyres through retreading to disposal and replacement. Read More»

Foundation Stone Laid for New Apollo OTR Plant

Tire Review Online, February 26, 2008

Yet another new chapter in the history of Apollo Tyre's impressive growth was written on February 25 at a foundation stone laying ceremony for the company's new OTR tyre production facility.

The construction of this new plant marks Apollo's entry into the OTR tyre segment. Presiding over the auspicious occasion at Limda, in India's Gujarat state, was company chairman and managing director Onkar Kanwar. Read More»

Rubber prices to remain firm

Business Standard, February 26, 2008

Higher exports, farmers' reluctance to sell produce stoke bullish sentiment.
 
Natural rubber prices will remain at higher levels on overseas sales and growers' reluctance to sell their produce anticipating better prices in the future. On Monday, the benchmark grade RSS-4 was quoting at Rs 101 a kg. Read More»

Caterpillar expands LHD supply with new assembly line in Brazil

IM International Mining, February 26, 2006

In its first assembly move out of Tasmania, Caterpillar has opened a new line of underground mining loaders in Brazil. In response to the continuing strong demand for mining equipment, Cat now is manufacturing the R1600G LHD in the long established Caterpillar facility in São Paulo State. The new line establishes a second source for Cat LHDs, which previously had been manufactured solely in Tasmania, Australia.

"The expanded manufacturing base will have a significant impact on the availability of new machines for our customers," said Chris Curfman, President of Caterpillar Global Mining. "This is an important step, too, in moving toward our goal of being the global leader in underground hard rock mining equipment. Read More»

Woman appointed boss of mining group

Evening Courier, February 18, 2008

A woman has been appointed as boss of a major mining industry trade association based in Wakefield.

Ruth Bailey, 41, is the new director general of the Monckton Road-based Association of British Mining Equipment Companies, which helps firms sell £500m worth of goods a year.

"Britain's coal industry may be a shadow of its former self, but the mining machinery sector is flourishing overseas.

"It has a world class reputation for quality, reliability and value and is playing a significant role in enabling the emerging countries to extract their coal in a cleaner, more efficient and safe way," she said.

American Tire Corporation Successfully Presented Radial OTR Tires in Arizona

PR Web, February 17, 2008

American Tire Corporation (ATC) successfully presented its radial OTR tires and Washington OTR tire plant at the quarterly meeting of Southwest Association of Master Mechanics in Mesa, Arizona.

On February 15, 2008, Dr. Abraham Hengyucius and Mr. Brad Harris respectively introduced ATC's production and marketing program on behalf of ATC -- the manufacturer of Colorado OTR tires. This 1.5-hour presentation was started from the production section by Dr. Hengyucius who specified ATC's current and coming production, capacity for 63", 57", 51" and 49" radial OTR tires, manufacturing equipments, plant details and strategic objectives. The government support for both production and international marketing was emphasized. Then, Mr. Harris analyzed the current situation of global OTR tire industry, Colorado OTR tire's marketing strategy and on-site engineering support program. The first batch of delivered Colorado 63" tires was introduced, with video and accurate figures collected from the mine site, as a successful example from ATC. Read More»

Titan Tire Builds First Radial 63-inch Tire

Yahoo.com, February 15, 2008

Titan Tire Corporation of Bryan, a subsidiary of Titan International Inc., has produced the company’s first prototype giant radial 63-inch tire in its Ohio facility. Titan announced its commitment to produce these large radial tires, used in the mining industry, in May 2007. Read More»

CMA LLC responds to preliminary anti-dumping decision

Modern Tire Dealer, February 15, 2008

Last week's preliminary decision by the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) to impose antidumping duties on imports of new pneumatic OTR tires from China was quickly supported by both the United Steelworkers and Titan Tire Corp.

Last week's preliminary decision by the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) to impose antidumping duties on imports of new pneumatic OTR tires from China was quickly supported by both the United Steelworkers and Titan Tire Corp.

China Manufacturers Alliance LLC (CMA), the North American marketing arm of Double Coin Holdings Ltd., has a differing view of the decision. Here, in its entirety, is CMA's official response. Read More»

US workers group says antidumping duty on China tires a good step

Forbes.com, February 13, 2008

US labor group United Steelworkers (USW) welcomed a preliminary decision by the US Commerce Department to impose antidumping duties on imports of new pneumatic off-the-road (OTR) tires from China, saying it will 'help level the playing field'.

'The decision will help level the playing field for US workers by requiring Chinese tire imports to be priced fairly. This case shows the importance of vigorous enforcement of our trade laws as a first line of defense against unfair trade practices that harm American industries and jobs,' USW International president Leo Gerard said in a statement. Read More»

American Tire Corporation Enters Asian Market

PRWeb, February 13, 2008

American Tire Corporation (ATC) is pleased to announce that its Colorado brand OTR tires have entered into Asian market from the beginning of 2008.

Several containers of Colorado brand 35" and 49" OTR tires have been shipped for users in South Asia and Middle East. Dozen of containers of such tires and larger will be shipped to the same area in the first quarter of 2008. Read More»

Tyre makers want cut in rubber import duty

Reuters, February 12, 2008

Indian tyre makers want rubber import duty to be cut in the forthcoming budget to do away with an inverted duty structure under which rubber, a key raw material, attracts a higher duty than the finished product.

Tyre makers want the 20 percent duty on rubber imports to fall to 7.5 percent to prevent dumping of tyres from China and other countries, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) said in a statement. Read More»

Burned In The Rubber Business!!

OTR Tire, February 11, 2008

In today's "Earthmover" or "OTR" tire market we are all aware of the lack of larger size tires. While there has been an increase in the availability in the smaller sizes we are still experience a major shortage in the Giant size i.e. the 3700R57, 4000R57, up to and including the 53/80R63 and 59/80R63.

This is very frustrating to the mines that need them and to us that need to locate them for our customers. Read More»

American Tire Corporation Decides Not to Increase OTR Tire Price

PR Web, February 10, 2008

February 10, 2008 -- American Tire Corporation (ATC) has decided to maintain its OTR tire prices at current levels while other US tire manufacturers have increased or are planning to increase their prices from the beginning of 2008.

ATC expresses its support of the announcement of the U.S. Department of Commerce that it will collect anti-dumping customs duties against Chinese OTR tires. ATC and all the US tire manufacturers will benefit from these measures. Read More»

Titan, Union Cheer Commerce Dumping Ruling

Tire Review, February 8, 2008

Titan Tire Corp. and the United Steelworkers both applauded the U.S. Commerce Department’s decision to impose antidumping duties on China-made OTR and agricultural tires.
The Commerce Department made its ruling on Feb. 6.

According to the USW, the Commerce Department investigated four individual Chinese producers, which received duty rates ranging from 11% to 52%. Other companies receiving separate rates are subject to a margin that reflects the weighted average of these individual rates, or 25%. For companies not entitled to individual rates, the country-wide rate of 210% will be applied. Read More»

USW lauds preliminary decision to put antidumping duties on Chinese tires

Chesterton Tribune, February 7, 2008

The United Steelworkers (USW) is welcoming the U.S. Commerce Department’s preliminary decision to impose antidumping duties on new pneumatic off-the-road (OTR) tire imports from China.

“Today’s decision will help level the playing field for U.S. workers by requiring Chinese tire imports to be priced fairly,” USW International President Leo Gerard said in a statement released on Wednesday. “This case shows the importance of vigorous enforcement of our trade laws as a first line of defense against unfair trade practices that harm American industries and jobs. Read More»

Eastland Tire, LLC Enters Into OTR Tire Dealer Agreement With Titan International, Inc.

PR Newswire, February 5, 2008

Eastland Tire announced that the company entered into a dealer agreement with Titan International, Inc., in which Eastland Tire has secured a long-term source of Titan's off-the-road (OTR) tires including the new 57- and 63-inch giant mining radial tires that Titan is currently developing. Read More»

Bridgestone to Increase Tire Sales in Thailand Through New Acquisition

Azom.com, February 5, 2008

Bridgestone Corporation announced that Bridgestone Holdings (Thailand) Co., Ltd. ("BSHT") has agreed to acquire Shell Autoserv (Thailand) Co., Ltd. ("SAT") from Shell Group company on February 4th. BSHT was established through a joint capital investment of Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd., the Thai subsidiary of Bridgestone, and a local Thai partner. SAT owns 64 "Shell Autoserv" stores in the capital city of Bangkok and in other locations throughout the country, which is an independent network and provides car maintenance service including tire and lubricant sales. Read More»

Rubber Exports Fall by 42%

Business Line, February 4, 2008

KOTTAYAM: A rise in the domestic prices of natural rubber has hit hard on India's rubber export which slumped by 42 per cent to 29,674 tons during April-January period of the current financial year as compared to 51,393 tons in the corresponding period a year ago, a senior Rubber Board official said. Read More»

American Tire Corporation Denies Involvement in Alpha Mining Systems' Trade Secret Case

PR Web, February 4, 2008

Chino, Calif. (PRWEB) February 4, 2008 -- American Tire Corporation (ATC) has denied any involvement or relationship with Alpha Mining Systems' trade secret case as reported in the article "Tire maker wins trade secret case" published in the Herald-Tribune, a Sarasota, Florida newspaper, on January 31, 2008.

According to this article, "Sam Vance, Alpha's sales and marketing manager at the time, was found guilty by 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Robert W. McDonald Jr. of giving a pair of overseas competitors everything they needed to steal business away from the Sarasota company." "Alpha Mining Systems, a global manufacturer of industrial mining tires, has won a $19.7 million judgment against a former employee for handing out the company's trade secrets in 2005." Read More»

Rubber Exports Gain Momentum

CommodityOnline, February 2, 2008

After a steady fall, natural rubber export is gathering momentum with the global prices ruling above the domestic rates.

According to a press note issued by the Rubber Board, the present situation is favourable for the export of natural rubber. Read More»

Tire maker wins trade secret case

Herald Tribune, January 31, 2008

Alpha Mining Systems, a global manufacturer of industrial mining tires, has won a $19.7 million judgment against a former employee for handing out the company's trade secrets in 2005.

Sam Vance, Alpha's sales and marketing manager at the time, was found guilty by 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Robert W. McDonald Jr. of giving a pair of overseas competitors everything they needed to steal business away from the Sarasota company.

"Alpha has suffered and continues to suffer irreparable damage as a result of defendant's misappropriation of Alpha's confidential, proprietary and trade secret information," McDonald wrote. Read More»

Facts Issue 2008: Bridgestone takes over in the U.S. and Canada

Modern Tire Dealer, January 29, 2008

For the first time, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC surpassed Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in tire sales.

For the first time, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC surpassed Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in tire sales.

In Modern Tire Dealer's 2008 Facts Issue, Bridgestone finished 2007 with $8.5 billion in tire sales in the United States and Canada. Goodyear finished second with $8.3 billion in sales. Michelin North America Inc. was third with $7.2 billion.

Rounding out the top 10 are Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. ($2.1 billion), Continental Tire North America Inc., Hankook Tire America Corp., Yokohama Tire Corp., Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas, Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. and Pirelli Tire North America Inc.

The 42nd annual January Facts Issue also contains information on retail and commercial brand share, average tire costs, tire plant capacities and much more. Check it out!

Bridgestone increases prices to cover rising energy costs

Tennessean.com, January 29, 2008

Rising oil prices have driven up the cost of making tires, forcing Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC to raise tire prices as much as 8 percent beginning March 1, the Nashville-based company said Monday.

"The continued unprecedented upward spiral of energy and raw material costs makes this action necessary," said Asahiko "Duke" Nishiyama, the company's vice chairman and president. Read More»

Changing Paces

Tire Review Online, January 28, 2008

Kreitzman helped found the first version of China Manufacturers Alliance in 1998 as a partnership with a major Chinese tiremaker. In 2003, the company splintered, with the manufacturer-partner taking part of the business, and Kreitzman moving on to form what is now named API Inc. Read More»

OTR's TotalTyreLogic Goes Down Big In Scotland

Reifen Press, January 28, 2008

TotalTyreLogic, the cradle to grave earthmover tyre management system from OTR Tyres, is having a big impact on the quarrying industry in Scotland, where it is being used in more than 30 quarries. Read More»

Bridgestone to raise China tyre prices in March

Reuters, January 28, 2008

SHANGHAI, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Japan's top tyre maker, Bridgestone Corp (5108.T: Quote, Profile, Research), said on Monday it will raise prices in China by up to 5 percent beginning in March due to higher raw material prices. Read More»

An empire from a tub of goo

Globeandmail.com, January 26, 2008

How did the quest to retrieve the treasure hidden beneath huge swaths of northern Alberta go from fool's errand to monumentous payoff? Erin Anderssen, Shawn McCarthy and Eric Reguly explain. Read More»

China fires back in dumping case

RubberNews.com, January 22, 2008

BEIJING -- The U.S. Commerce Department was unfair and discriminatory against Chinese off-the-road tire manufacturers when it found that the Chinese government is subsidizing them, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has declared. Read More»

Dunlop India Hopeful for Fresh OE Agreements

Reifen Press, January 21, 2008

Dunlop India is reported to be seeking fresh OE deals. According to the Times of India, the Ruia Group company has entered into talks with India’s largest commercial vehicle maker, Tata Motors, regarding a truck tyre deal. Company chairman Pawan Ruia also stated that Dunlop India hopes to come to an arrangement with India’s Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) for the supply of OTR tyres. The manufacturer of earthmoving and heavy industrial equipment recently signed an OE agreement with Apollo Tyres, for which the company is increasing its OTR tyre capacity from 10 to 60 tonnes per day.

Mr. Ruia added that Dunlop India is also in negotiations with Hindustan Copper and Coal India for the supply of OTR tyres.

For Terex, the Way to Go Is Up

The Wall Street Journal, January 20, 2008

With construction-equipment stocks now out of favor on Wall Street because of domestic economic concerns, some investors see an opportunity in Terex (TEX). Its shares have fallen 47% from their July peak, to $51. Read More»

Robots to rule at Rio Tinto

Australian IT, January 18, 2008

RESOURCES giant Rio Tinto will replace humans with robots in its Western Australian mining operations over the next two years as it rolls out a fleet of automated vehicles including trucks, trains and drilling rigs. Read More»

RISING DEPRECIATION COSTS DEFLATE BRIDGESTONE'S STOCK PRICE

TradingMarkets.com, January 16, 2008

TOKYO, (AsiaPulse via COMTEX) -Growing depreciation costs are creating an extra challenge for Bridgestone Corp. (TSE:5108) at a time when the leading Japanese tyre maker is battling high raw material prices and a stronger yen. Read More»

Titan will raise price on tires

The Associated Press, January 16, 2008

Titan Tire Corp. said Wednesday higher costs has caused it to raise prices on Goodyear, Titan and General branded off-the-road, farm and construction tires, effective in March.

Prices will go up 7 percent and offset rising raw material, energy and transportation costs, said Titan Tire, which is a unit of vehicle-part manufacturer Titan International Inc.

Some prices may rise more than 7 percent due to realignment and positioning of product

A Second Life and Beyond

Equipment Today, January 14, 2008

If you've purchased a larger earthmover, or have had to replace the rubber on existing units, you've likely encountered some difficulty in getting the tires you need. There's still a tire shortage, and manufacturers expect the gap between supply and demand for large earthmoving tires to continue through 2009. Read More»

How will the Rubber and Tire Industry in Asia/China Face up to Price Hikes, CO2 Shock and Environmental Threats?

eMediaWire, January 11, 2008

Anticipated to be 'Asia's Most Awaited Rubber & Tire Conference'! CMT has brought together the best expertise and brightest brains to discuss and analyze the present and future dynamics in the rubber and tire world. Some of the other companies represented are Lanxess, Michelin, The Thai Rubber Association, Bekaert, South China/Wanli Tires, Pouchen Corporation, JK Tires and many more. Read More»

Bridgestone to invest in off the road tire plant in Illinois

RubberWorld, January 11, 2008

Bloomington, IL -- Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) is making a significant financial investment in its Bloomington, Ill., Off Road Tire plant that will allow the plant to produce new off road tire sizes and double the facility’s giant loader tire curing capacity. The investment will result in the addition of new jobs at the facility. Total capital expenditure is expected to be a minimum of $12 million over the next five years. The facility will also hire nearly 50 teammates in 2008. "As we have stated many times, we will continue to invest in our key facilities where there is stability, high productivity and an opportunity to make a reasonable return on investment,” said Shawn Rasey, Vice President, Bridgestone Firestone Off Road Tire Company, a division of BFNT. “The Bloomington plant is playing an important role in helping the company serve the needs of our customers who demand world-class heavy-duty tires."

Pirelli Now Producing Full Line-up in China

Tire Review Online, January 9, 2008

Currently nine of the world's 10 largest tyre manufacturers have their own production bases in China.
Among those companies that have recently chosen to venture into China is Pirelli. The Italian corporation has been operating a truck tyre production facility in China since the summer of 2005 before opening a new PCR tyre factory very recently in November 2007. Read More»

Bridgestone Plant Expansion

Central Illinois Proud, January 8, 2008

It's good economic news for the Twin Cities...Bridgestone Firestone is expanding its off-road tire plant here.

The company says the expansion will double the plant's giant loader tire curing capacity, and produce new sizes of off-road tires. It also expects to invest a minimum of $12 million over the next five years and add 50 jobs this year.

B-F executives made the announcement official at a Wednesday news conference. “As we have stated many times, we will continue to invest in our key facilities where there is stability, high productivity and an opportunity to make a reasonable return on investment," said Shawn Rasey, Vice President, Bridgestone Firestone Off Road Tire Company. "The Bloomington plant is playing an important role in helping the company serve the needs of our customers who demand world-class heavy-duty tires,” he said.



Titan Welcomes Affirmative Preliminary

PR-USA, December 27, 2007

Titan International Inc. welcomed the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision this week to impose preliminary countervailing duties on new pneumatic off-the-road (OTR) tires from China benefiting from government subsidies. Read More»

Global tyre shortage threatens to stop mining industry in its tracks

The Independent, December 27, 2007

Times have never been better for the mining industry. Driven by insatiable demand from an industrialising China, the industry is awash in unprecedented billions. Yet the flip side of the boom is that every nook and cranny of the infrastructure, after years of under-investment, is groaning under the strain of the round-the-clock race to dig up everything from iron ore to coal to gold and diamonds destined for ports around the world. Read More»

Tyre Shortage Tires Out ME Projects

Tahani, December 27, 2007

The supply shortage in the off-the-road (OTR) tyre segment, which has already seen the price of a tyre that cost £15,000 (100,500) in 2005 increase by up to 300 per cent in 2007, is set to increase by a further 20 to 30 per cent by the end of H1 2008, reported Emirates Business 24/7.The cost and availability of Truck Bus Radial (TBR) and OTR tyres is the cause of much worry at mines and huge construction projects around the world, as there isn't enough collective rubber to keep the wheels moving. Read More»

Mongolia's mining regenerating

UB Post, December 27, 2007

Amongst Asian countries, Mongolia ranks as one of the richest in terms of volume and variety of undeveloped mineral resources. Although enormous potential exists in mineral resources, the economic viability of developing much of this natural wealth has not yet been demonstrated. The mining sector is of great importance for Mongolia’s economic stability and for the physical infrastructure, especially in the energy sector which is heavily dependent on coal. Mongolia has witnessed an increased interest in the mining sector, as well as in copper production. Read More»

Indian energy sector exhibits rich potential for investment in diverse streams: CII - KPMG

IndiaInfoline, December 26, 2007

The Indian energy sector is exhibiting a rich potential for investment in diverse streams, driven by the surging economy and the resultant demand supply gap in the short run; and by the need to achieve sustainability and self-sufficiency in the long run. A long term vision, and adequate policy and regulatory support is necessary to realize this potential, according to a report jointly released by CII and KPMG. The report titled ‘India Energy Inc. – Emerging Opportunities & Challenges’ was released recently at the CII - India Energy Conclave 2007. Read More»

HALF BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN MINING INDUSTRY

Panorama, December 26, 2007

The year 2007 is one of the successful years with its indicator of 13.6 percent economic growth. The two digit growth reported in the course of recent seven year testifies that the reforms are effective and we have stable and dynamically developing economy. I am sure that we have real chances of two digit economic growth in the coming 4-5 years. This was said by President Robert Kocharyan while he described the passing economic year during his traditional meeting with more than 60 representatives of the business community at the close of the year. Read More»

Phikwe on the roll in 2007

Mmegi, December 21, 2007

SELEBI-PHIKWE: 2007 will go down as a largely successful year for Selebi-Phikwe as the mining town's economic fortunes took a turn for the better. Read More»

BHP/Rio deal would tighten uranium market-industry

Reuters UK, December 19, 2007

LONDON, Dec 19 (Reuters) - A formal bid by BHP Billiton (BHP.AX: Quote, Profile, Research) (BLT.L: Quote, Profile, Research) for smaller mining rival Rio Tinto (RIO.AX: Quote, Profile, Research) (RIO.L: Quote, Profile, Research) could tighten the uranium market due to uncertainty over supply, industry sources and analysts say. Read More»

Titan Issues 2007 Review, 2008 Outlook

Tire Review, December 19, 2007

Titan International Inc. issued its review of its business in 2007 and its take on how it expects 2008 to shake out.

According to Titan president and CEO Morry Taylor, who issued the report, the company “had a successful and eventful year and 2008 should prove equally exciting.”

Taylor said that Titan expected 2007 to be a flat year in the agricultural sector, but a robust year in the mining market. Read More»

Kumho plans domestic tire price increases up to 8%

Modern Tire Dealer, December 19, 2007

Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. will increase tire prices effective Feb. 1, 2008. Prices will increase up to 8%, depending on the tire line and model.

Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. will increase tire prices effective Feb. 1, 2008. Prices will increase up to 8%, depending on the tire line and model. Read More»

A look back (and forward) at the farm and OTR tire markets in Morry Taylor's own words

Modern Tire Dealer, December 19, 2007

Morry Taylor is chairman and CEO of Titan International Inc. By his account, Titan is headed for a successful "and eventful" year. Morry Taylor is chairman and CEO of Titan International Inc. By his account, Titan is headed for a successful "and eventful" year.

Net sales were up 23% through three quarters of fiscal 2007 ended Sept. 30 compared to the same period in 2006 (from $513.9 million to $632.1 million). Gross profit was up 3%. Net income, however, was down 89%, from $14.7 million in 2006 to $1.6 million. Read More»

Bottlenecks Slow Australian Coal

Energy Tribune, December 19, 2007

Australia's coal exporters are enjoying strong demand, but infrastructure bottlenecks are - at least for the moment-constraining their ability to grow their overseas shipments. Read More»

Goodyear’s Gingo Retires, Takes Post With Schulman

Tire Review, December 19, 2007

Joe Gingo, Goodyear’s chief technical officer and the man who helped engineer the tiremakers new headquarters deal, is leaving the company to become president and CEO of Akron plastics maker A. Schulman Inc.

Gingo, 62, is actually taking retirement from Goodyear after a 41-year career there, most recently as executive vice president of quality systems and chief technical officer, to assume the post with Schulman, the company Gingo’s father once worked for. He has been a member of Schulman’s board since 2000. Read More»

Rio will put US$1.1 billion into Australian coal and US nickel/copper mines

Mineweb, December 17, 2007

Rio Tinto will invest $1.1 billion in expanding mines in Australia and the United States, hoping to fight off BHP Billiton's takeover offer through internal growth. Read More»

Rio Continues Growth Plan With New Investments

Mining Technology, December 17, 2007

Rio Tinto today announced major project investments in Australia and overseas aimed at growing the company already under takeover speculation. Read More»

Tokyo rubber hits 5-week high

CommodityOnline, December 17, 2007

Tokyo rubber futures rose on Monday to extend gains and touched a five-week high as a soft yen encouraged buying.

The key TOCOM rubber futures contract for May 2008 delivery on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange traded at 296yen per kg by 09:08 IST, up 1.9 yen from Friday's close. It rose as high as 297.2 yen, the highest since Nov 12. Read More»

U.S. Adds Duties to China-Made OTR Tires

Tire Review, December 12, 2007

The U.S. Department of Commerce has opted to impose countervailing duties – at least initially – on new OTR tires imported from China, saying the makers of those products benefited financially from Chinese government subsidies. Read More»

Made in China and showing at the NEC

Easier Motoring, December 12, 2007

Organisers of the Commercial Vehicle Show are delighted that Shanghai-based GiTi Tire will be exhibiting for the first time at next year’s Show and, according to GiTi representatives, the company will be investing a ‘significant amount’ in publicising the company’s ever-increasing range of truck and bus tyres. GiTi’s 54 square metre stand (Hall 8 -141) will be designed to raise the profile of the GiTi brand and product range. Read More»

Research points to greater recycling potential of tyre retreads

Letsrecycle.com, November 27, 2007

The Waste and Resources Action Programme has found that up to 40% of the re-treads needed in truck and earthmover tyres could be provided from recycled material without reducing durability or performance. Read More»

Kumho Eyes Automated Plant for U.S.

Tire Review, November 27, 2007

Kumho Tire Co. will likely build a new tire plant in the U.S., and hopes to announce its location by the end of this year.

Dr. Sae Chul Oh, Kumho’s president, revealed the plans at the recent SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Read More»

Ceat to finalise plans for truck radial plant by year end

Business Line, November 26, 2007

Ceat Ltd hopes to finalise its plans to set up a new truck-bus radial tyre plant by December-January. Construction of the proposed 60-tonne OTR (off-the-road) tyre factory near Patalganga is expected to begin by May next year. Read More»

MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA ANNOUNCES AGRICULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL TIRE PRICE INCREASES

Press Release, November 20, 2007

Michelin North America is increasing prices on some of its tire product lines.

Commercial truck tire prices will increase by up to 6 percent on Michelin® and BFGoodrich® brand replacement tires and up to 4 percent on MRT retreads sold in the United States effective Jan. 1, 2008. Read More»

Michelin Expects Raw Material Costs Will Ding Financials Next Year

Tire Review, November 19, 2007

Groupe Michelin says unstable raw material costs will impact its 2008 financial results, but to what degree the company doesn’t know.
Company CFO Jean-Dominique Senard told analysts in Europe that rising raw material costs will “have an impact” on Michelin’s financials, but that “it is too early to say how much it will be.”

Senard said Michelin expected raw material prices to stabilize earlier this year, but that did not happen


Conti Hooks Up With Vietnam Tiremaker

Tire Review, November 19, 2007

According to reports out of Southeast Asia, Continental AG has arranged an off-take agreement with Vietnam tiremaker Southern Rubber Industry Co., which will produce Continental-branded tires for export to Europe.
The five-year deal includes light truck, medium truck and motorcycle tires, the reports say.

Under the contract, Continental will export at least 170,000 truck tires and 600,000 motorbike tires to European countries


Gold Fields seeks quality mines across the world

Mining Weekly, November 16, 2007

Gold Fields, the world's fourth-largest gold miner, is scouting for quality mines in many countries to lift its production profile, its chief executive officer said. Read More»

Gray market tires are hurting Canadian dealers, says association

Modern Tire Dealer, November 16, 2007

Think tire dealerships in Canada are getting rich due to the strong Canadian dollar? Think again, says the Tire Dealers Association of Canada. "In fact, the opposite is true," says TDAC President Eric Gilbert, partially due to the proliferation of gray market tires.

Think tire dealerships in Canada are getting rich due to the strong Canadian dollar? Think again, says the Tire Dealers Association of Canada (TDAC). "In fact, the opposite is true," says TDAC President Eric Gilbert, partially due to the proliferation of gray market tires Read More»

'Tired' of downtime?

For Construction Pros, November 15, 2007

On a recent visit to Bridgestone Firestone Off The Road (OTR) Tire Co. in Bloomington, IL, I was reminded of a serious problem facing the construction industry today and that is the shortage of tires. We've all heard over the past couple of years that demand for OTR tires has far outpaced supply, but I was not aware of the many things that consumers can do to alleviate the effects of the shortage on their individual operations. Read More»

The Old Lady Is Burning Rubber

Forbes, November 15, 2007

Michelin, the bloated 118-year-old French tire company, was in limbo after a respected heir died in a boating accident. Now it's on track again. Read More»

Yokohama to double OTR capacity by 2011

Rubber News, November 15, 2007

ONOMICHI, Japan -- Tire maker Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. is addressing overwhelming demand for mining and construction vehicle tires and the shortage of supply in the OTR market by more than doubling its capacity in the sector by 2011. Read More»

Chinese tire maker fights class action

Rubber News, November 15, 2007

CAMDEN, N.J. -- A Chinese tire maker is fighting a pending class action in a federal district court in Camden, arguing the court has no jurisdiction over it. Read More»

EU Requirements for Tyres Will Reduce Safety, Says Conti

Tire Review Online, November 14, 2007

By means of various regulations, the EU intends to reduce both CO2 emissions and noise pollution from road traffic in the future.
Also under discussion in conjunction is an “environmental label" aimed at informing consumers about tyre rolling resistance, as is a new requirement for reducing tyre/road noise. However, Continental AG has voiced its concerns that the realisation of both targets in the scope envisioned by the EU would entail considerably compromising a tyre’s performance in terms of road safety.Read More»


Goodyear turns another corner

Rubber News, November 14, 2007

AKRON -- Goodyear´s plan to improve its cost structure, focus on higher-end tires and create a richer product mix to improve profits apparently is paying off. Read More»

Titan posts loss despite record sales

Rubber News, November 14, 2007

QUINCY, Ill. -- Despite record third-quarter and nine-month sales, Titan International Inc. reported a loss for the three-month period and a decline in earnings the three quarters. Read More»

Amerityre's run-flat polyurethane tire passes safety standard

Modern Tire Dealer, November 13, 2007

Amerityre Corp. reports its Arcus run-flat polyurethane elastomer tire has successfully completed all testing requirements under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 139. Read More»

Andean Women Use Gentle Touch to Conquer Monster Mining Trucks

Bloomberg.com, November 8, 2007

The macho world of South America's gold, silver and copper mines is under invasion by women.

The women come from remote communities in the Andes Mountains to work as monster-truck drivers. The jobs offer more income than they can earn in their villages and help mining companies preserve vehicles that cost about $3 million each. Read More»

BHP Billiton Offers to Buy Rio; Proposal Rejected

Bloomberg.com, November 8, 2007

BHP Billiton Ltd., the world's biggest mining company, plans to pursue a takeover of Rio Tinto Group after an earlier approach was rejected, in what may become the largest acquisition in history.

A purchase of Rio, which has a market value of $165 billion, would create a company that controls more than a third of the iron-ore market, supplies the most energy coal and copper, and owns mines and oilfields in six continents. Rio is the third-largest miner behind BHP and Anglo American Plc. Read More»

Bridgestone plans five-year capital investment program

Rubber News, November 8, 2007

TOKYO -- If Bridgestone Corp. wants to maintain its top spot globally as a tire and rubber product manufacturer, it figures it will need to spend a lot of money. Read More»

Quadra Mining Ltd. Announces Strong Third Quarter 2007 Financial Results

Market Wire, November 5, 2007

The global shortage of large off-road tires is being addressed by improvements in operating practices which are extending the useful life of all tires. The Company also entered into a tire supply agreement to help meet tire requirements for 2007-2009. While the shortage of tires continues, the situation seems to be moderating as additional production capacity and new producers come on line. Read More»

Bridgestone posts big gains in net income, sales through three quarters

Modern Tire Dealer, November 5, 2007

Bridgestone Corp. recorded net income of $713 million on net sales of $21.4 billion for the first three quarters of its 2007 fiscal year ended Sept. 30. Tire sales represented nearly 81%, or $17.3 billion.

Bridgestone Corp. recorded net income of $713 million on net sales of $21.4 billion for the first three quarters of its 2007 fiscal year ended Sept. 30. Tire sales represented nearly 81%, or $17.3 billion. Read More»

Titan posts third quarter sales gains

Modern Tire Dealer, November 5, 2007

Titan International Inc. achieved record sales of $195.5 million during the third quarter, a 25% increase over third quarter 2006 levels. Titan's gross profit also increased from $17.1 million in 3Q 2006 to $18.3 million in 3Q 2007.

Titan International Inc. achieved record sales of $195.5 million during the third quarter, a 25% increase over third quarter 2006 levels. Titan's gross profit also increased from $17.1 million in 3Q 2006 to $18.3 million in 3Q 2007. Read More»

Corporate America gets the jitters as oil nudges $100

The Economic Times, November 5, 2007

BOSTON: As oil heads toward $100 per barrel, Corporate America is scrambling to offset the cost by cutting back on energy use where it can and pushing through higher prices where it can’t. Higher oil prices drive up corporate expenses from running factories to making petroleum-based chemicals. Companies in energy-intensive industries such as mining have also warned that oil prices are eroding their profits. And they burn through consumers’ spendable income as it costs more to run cars, heat homes and to buy airline tickets. Read More»

Nova Scotia's Daily Business Briefs

Business Journal, November 5, 2007

Michelin Waterville recently commemorated its 25th year of manufacturing tires by producing its 25th millionth tire. Michelins Waterville facility, Michelins second largest truck tire plant, opened in 1982 and manufactures heavy-duty earthmover and large industrial tires. Headquartered in Laval, Quebec, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. employs 3,700 people and operates three plants.  Read More»

Mining Director Predicts OTR Tyre Shortage Over in 2008

Reifen Press, November 2, 2007

According to global diamond mining giant De Beers, the shortage of large OTR tyres that has plagued mining operators in recent years will be over by the end of 2008. The South African publication Mining Weekly has reported De Beers director Debbie Farnaby as saying the success of Chinese manufacturers in the area of radial OTR tyre production will end the shortage sooner than previously anticipated. Read More»

Bryan celebrates economic gains

FW Daily News, November 2, 2007

Big things are happening in Bryan, Ohio. Really big things. Beginning next year, the aptly named Titan Tire Corp. will begin producing 57- and 63-inch-diameter tires at its Bryan plant for use in the mining industry.

The plant, built in 1967 and containing 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space, is undergoing a $100-million expansion that will add 220,000 square feet and 150 to 200 jobs to the company’s existing work force of 325 when completed. Read More»

SEMA Show, Day Two: Techking introduces three OTR tires

Modern Tire Dealer, November 1, 2007

Techking Tires Ltd., a China-based tire company, displayed three new large OTR tires on the Tire Industry Association Performance Tires & Wheels trade show. Read More»

Fording coal trust prospects hurt by weak US$; Q3 profit down 27 per cent

The Canadian Press, October 30, 2007

Elk Valley Coal has two million tons of inventory, including one million at West Coast ports, and "we are relying on a strong performance from our transportation service providers," he added.
He declined to release production guidance - "it's not radically different from what we're doing now" - but said capacity is ultimately limited by equipment availability factors, notably a long-running shortage of tires for monster dump trucks and other machinery.

Despite production increases by tire manufacturers, "I think it's tight over the next couple of years," Payne said, as "the demand for tires just keeps going up."Read More»

Goodyear swings to profit in third quarter, helped by sale of unit

International Herald Tribune, October 30, 2007

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., helped by the sale of its engineered products unit, swung to a big profit in the third quarter, even though North American tire sales were down 6 percent. Read More»

Tire Maker Stretches To Match Demand

Shanghai Daily, October 29, 2007

Continental AG announced it will invest 150 million euros (US$216 million) to build its first Chinese tire-making plant in Hefei, Anhui Province, to meet growing demand and to catch up with rivals like Japan's Bridgestone. Read More»

New RMA Chairman Outlines Plans

Tire Review, October 25, 2007

Jim MacMaster, executive vice president of Yokohama Tire Corporation, was recently elected to a two-year term as chairman of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
MacMaster succeeds Mark Emkes, chairman and CEO of Bridgestone Americas Holding and Bridgestone/Firestone North America Tire. Read More»

Kanowna Belle Up And Running After Fire

Mining Technology, October 25, 2007

Australian mine operator Barrick Gold Corporation has announced operations are up and running again after a fire trapped fifty four miners at its Kanowna Belle mine in Kalgoorlie yesterday.

The mine was temporarily shut following a fire in the engine cabin of a 755 caterpillar truck.

The fire was extinguished by an on-board fire suppression system.

All mine workers were bought to safety yesterday with no reported injuries.

Canada sees 80,000 Job Vacancies In Mining Sector

Reuters Canada, October 24, 2007

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's rich mining industry is expected to face a shortage of 80,000 workers over the next decade, Human Resources Minister Monte Solberg said on Wednesday.

"We know that having enough skilled workers is a serious problem," Solberg said in the prepared text of a speech he was giving to a mining human resources forum.

He said 400,000 Canadians currently have jobs because of the mining sector, which contributes C$40 billion ($41 billion) a year to the economy.

One solution he broached is to help displaced forestry workers transition into the mining industry. Another idea is to make it easier for workers qualified in one province to be able to shift another. And he pushed the idea of hiring more aboriginals, who face a 19 percent jobless rate.

Zambia: 'Seek Economic Freedom'

AllAfrica.com, October 24, 2007

PRESIDENT Mwanawasa has challenged Zambians to focus their efforts on economic independence and jealously guard the peace the country is enjoying as Zambia celebrates its independence. Read More»

Tire Technology Expo 2008 to be Largest Ever

Tire Review Online, October 24, 2007

(Staffordshire, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) The organisers of the Tire Technology Expo 2008 are confident that next year’s show will be the largest yet and boast its best ever conference programme and speaker line-up. Read More»

CMA to Open First N.A. Warehouse

Tire Review Online, October 24, 2007

(Akron/Tire Review) China Manufacturers Alliance has opened its first North American distribution center.
Located in Memphis, Tenn., the 150,000-square-foot facility is set to open later this year. Read More»

Commodity prices are sliding

FXStreet.com, October 23, 2007

On Monday the oil price fell towards USD 86, after renewed concern over economic slowdown in the US had given the financial markets a sharp rap over the knuckles. Dollar appreciation and the contract roll also had a negative effect. The expiry of the November contract and the switch to December delivery alone shaved USD 1.5 off the US WTI reference contract. For the short term we are of the opinion that the price has peaked for the time being. We maintain our neutral position, but risk-tolerant investors may choose to utilise the potential towards USD 83.50. The announcement of US inventories tomorrow will show the direction for the short term (see box) Read More»

Bridgestone will build more large OTR tires in Japan

Modern Tire Dealer, October 22, 2007

Bridgestone Corp. is investing 32 billion yen in the expansion of its large OTR plant in Kitakyushu, Japan, and to increase capacity at its OTR steel cord plant in Saga, Japan.

Demand for large OTR tires "has been expanding significantly worldwide in step with increasing global production of mineral resources," say Bridgestone officials. "Moving ahead, demand is expected to remain at a high level."

Bridgestone says it plans to increase production capacity "in a stepwise manner. Expansion work will get underway in the second half of 2008, with production scheduled to begin in the second half of 2010.

"As a result, production capacity is projected to increase by around 50 tons of new rubber a day by the end of 2012, which will be up roughly 20% from the time the current expansion work is complete."

Botswana: Jwaneng Mine - Our Cash Cow

allAfrica.com, October 22, 2007

It is not often that we reflect at some of the industries that are billion dollar spinners fort our economy.

One of those industries is the Jwaneng mine, the world's largest gemstone producer. Jwaneng Mine is simply known as the richest diamond mine in the world by value.

When it celebrated silver jubilee, or 25th anniversary last week, the Jwaneng Mine was celebrating more than just 25 years of mining diamonds. This mine is literally Botswana's number one cash cow. Read More»

Grand opening of OTR tire plant is part of Yokohama's 'Grand Design'

Modern Tire Dealer, October 21, 2007

The grand opening of Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.'s second OTR plant was held today in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan.

Toru Kobayashi, director and corporate officer of Yokohama Rubber, said the company plans a further increase in production capacity at the Onomichi plant to 1,650 rubber tons per month by October 2008. Construction of the new plant began in February 2006. Read More»

Rio Alcan Bid Wins Canadian Approval

Mining Technology, October 18, 2007

Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto has won Canadian regulatory approval for its A$42.84bn takeover of Canadian aluminum producer Alcan.

The approval follows go-ahead by EU competition regulators at the start of this month.

The sale will transform Rio Tinto into the world's largest producer of aluminum.

Michelin Produces 100 Millionth Tyre in Bridgewater, Canada

Reifen Press, October 18, 2007

The Michelin North America plant in Bridgewater, Canada has turned out its 100 millionth tyre. The production of this milestone item, a LTX A/T2 truck tyre, was marked by staff and management at the facility in Nova Scotia, and plant manager Dana LeBlanc referred to it as “an important event for everyone here at Michelin in Bridgewater.” Read More»

Apollo Turnover to Double in 3 Years - Kanwar

Tire Review Online, October 15, 2007

(Staffordshire, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) India’s tyre industry will most likely grow by 8% to 10% over the next five years, claims Apollo Tyres’ chairman Onkar Kanwar.
He added that in the coming three years the tyremaker’s turnover will double to US$2 billion.Read More»

The Long Case for Goodyear Tire & Rubber

Seeking Alpha, October 15, 2007

In a recent edition of Value Investor Insight, GoldenTree Asset Management's Adam Tuckman described why he sees big upside in The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (GT). Read More»

Oilsands' newest project: a greener image

Edmonton Journal, October 14, 2007

EDMONTON - In just a few weeks Syncrude could begin grinding down one of the environmental millstones that the oilsands industry has dragged around for years. Read More»

American Tire Corporation Launches New OTR Sizes

Tire Review Online, October 12, 2007

(Akron/Tire Review) American Tire Corporation (ATC) announced that the following new Colorado OTR sizes have been launched after six-month full production of Colorado 53/80-63 tires: the 59/80-63 E4 88PR, the 31/90-49 E4 54PR and the 41.25/70-39 L5 42PR. Read More»

Cat's new large mining trucks put to the test

Construction & Maintenance, October 12, 2007

Caterpillar announced that it will upgrade all mechanical drive mining trucks—785C, 789C, 793D and 797B. Additionally, Cat announced that it will offer two AC electric drive truck models of more than 200 short tons capacity. Read More»

Agora Tire creates OTR tire pricing index

Modern Tire Dealer, October 11, 2007

Agora Tire Inc. has added a price index for OTR tires to its Web site. According to President Brad Harris, the company is just taking a cue from other industries such as metals and plastic resin that have made commodity pricing available in order to establish a benchmark for fair pricing. Read More»

Three Thousand Miners Trapped in South African Mine

Mining Technology, October 4, 2007

Rescuers working to save 3,200 trapped miners in a South African gold mine have so far brought 1,350 miners to the surface, officials have announced. Read More»

Dunlop may re-enter aero tyre domain

The Times of India, October 4, 2007

MYSORE: Pawan Kumar Ruia is planning to extend Dunlop brand for aero tyres and off-the-road tyres (OTR) manufactured by Falcon Tyres Ltd. Read More»

China Manufacturers Alliance Sets Up in Memphis

The Daily News, October 3, 2007

Memphis is often lauded for being a cultural and commercial crossroads.

It's a place where various forms of music - country, western, blues and gospel - converged in the 1950s to bring rock 'n' roll to the world. Read More»

Tiremaker Prices Heading Up Again

Tire Review Online, October 2, 2007

Michelin, Toyo, Yokohama and Bandag all announced price increases that will take effect with the new year, all driven by spiraling oil, energy, freight and benefit costs.

Toyo Tire (USA) Corp. said it would increase prices on all of its passenger and light truck/SUV tires by up to 8%, effective Jan. 1, 2006. No pricing announcement was made regarding Toyo’s commercial tires. Read More»

Tokyo rubber jumps on yen, solid physical prices

Reuters UK, October 2, 2007

TOKYO, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Tokyo rubber futures rebounded more than 1 percent on Tuesday on short-covering to reflect falls in the yen against the dollar, with concerns over tight supplies in the physical market providing solid support. Read More»

Thanks a billion: Michelin plans growth in U.S. and Mexico over next 7 years

Global Tire News, October 2, 2007

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Michelin North America Inc. plans to spend more than $1 billion to expand production capacity in the U.S. and Mexico over the next seven years, including a new plant and upgrades at several facilities.

The tire maker announced Aug. 13 it will build a passenger and light truck tire factory in Mexico to support growing demand in North America. The plant will manufacture Michelin-brand products, including sport-utility vehicle and high performance tires, the company said. Read More»

ATC Ups Its Warranty Program

Tire Review Online, October 1, 2007

(Akron/Tire Review) Effective Sept. 1, American Tire Corp. has changed its OTR tire warranty program.
The new policies cover its Colorado, Goldmine and Coalmine lines, as well as others.Read More»

Yokohama goes green in big way

Global Tire News, October 2007

AKRON -- Green isn´t Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.´s corporate color, but the company is taking on a decidedly green hue thanks to the efforts of President Tadanobu Nagumo, who has made ecological issues a cornerstone of the firm´s corporate strategy. Read More»

Rising costs still weigh on gold miners at forum

Reuters Africa, September 29, 2007

DENVER (Reuters) - At last year's Denver Gold Forum, global gold mining executives grappled with skyrocketing costs and sagging stock prices as they presented their corporate pictures to analysts and fund managers. Read More»

Michelin plantation an oasis in sea of poverty

Print Edition, September 27, 2007

ITUBERA, BRAZIL -- It may have taken three planes, a bouncy bus ride and about 18 hours of travel time to get to Itubera, Brazil, but it took only about two minutes of staring into the mouth of a thundering waterfall at Michelin's rubber plantation in the Atlantic rain forest to realize that this place was much more than a rubber factory. Read More»

Shanghai Tyre and Rubber Group Co. Changes Name to Double Coin Holdings, Ltd

Business Wire, September 27, 2007

MONROVIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--China Manufacturers Alliance, LLC (CMA) is formally announcing that its parent company, Shanghai Tyre and Rubber (Group) Co., Ltd (STRC) has changed its corporate holding company’s name to Double Coin Holdings, Ltd., to consolidate corporate identity behind the company’s most recognizable and valuable asset, the Double Coin brand. Double Coin Holdings, Ltd is the holding corporation for several tire related business units including CMA. Read More»

Titan will raise prices up to 5%

Modern Tire Dealer, September 27, 2007

Titan Tire Corp., a subsidiary of Titan International Inc., will raise the prices of its Titan and Goodyear brand farm and construction tires up to 5%, effective Nov. 1.

"Certain tire prices may rise in excess of 5% due to repositioning of the product," say Titan officials.

Retreads Perform as well as New Tires

Azom.com, September 27, 2007

Old timers in the trucking industry were quick to tell you about the problems they had with “them recaps” back in the seventies and eighties. “Ain’t worth the trouble they cause,” they would say. Read More»

Top gear for Caterpillar

Mining Magazine, September 26, 2007

FOLLOWING plans first announced in March 2006, Caterpillar has officially updated the market on the development of a new series of mechanical-drive mining trucks and a new line of AC electric-drive trucks. The company plans to upgrade all of its mechanical-drive mining trucks – the 785C, 789C, 793D and 797B – with new variants. Additionally, the company is to offer two AC electric-drive truck models of more than 200 short tons capacity. Read More»

BFS Increasing U.S., Canada Prices

Tire Review Online, September 24, 2007

(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire and Bridgestone/Firestone Canada are increasing prices on all Bridgestone, Firestone, Fuzion and associate brand tire lines by up to 4%.
The increase will cover passenger, light truck/SUV, medium truck, agricultural and OTR tire lines, with specific in-line adjustments in excess of 4% are possible, the companies said. The increase will cover replacement, OE and export channels, and will take effect Nov. 1.

Cheap Chinese Imports Worry Tyremakers

Tire Review Online, September 24, 2007

(Akron/Tire Review – India Business Standard) With the tyre market being flooded with cheaper Chinese bus and truck tyres, the domestic tyre industry is up in arms about the under-invoicing of these imports and their inferior quality. Read More»

Tiremaker emphasizes Double Coin brand in China and North America

Modern Tire Dealer, September 18, 2007

As part of a company-wide brand awareness strategy, Shanghai Tyre and Rubber Co. has changed its name to Double Coin Holdings Ltd. Read More»

Michelin Wins Frost & Sullivan Consumer Choice Award

Tire Review Online, September 18, 2007

(Staffordshire, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) Europe has overwhelmingly cast its vote in favour of the tyre brand it regards as the safest and most durable, Michelin, putting the company miles ahead of the competition. Read More»

When Wheels Are the Better Fit

Equipment Today, September 17, 2007

In the 1950s when the first hydraulic excavators were introduced, the machines were all equipped with rubber-tire undercarriages. Such configurations continue to be highly popular in Europe today. Read More»

Toyo Names Nick Manning as U.K. Marketing Manager

Tire Review, September 17, 2007

(Staffordshire, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) Toyo Tyre UK Ltd. has announced that Nick Manning has been appointed as marketing manager for the U.K Read More»

Goodyear plans to expand Gadsden factory

Modern Tire Dealer, September 17, 2007

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. recently broke ground on a 200,000-square-foot addition to its tire manufacturing plant in Gadsden, Ala.

The Gadsden plant can produce 15,000 passenger and 10,000 light truck tires per day at capacity, according to Modern Tire Dealer research.

"While we aren't prepared to announce all of the details of our investment plans for Gadsden, we have started construction on the project," says a Goodyear spokesperson.

Yokohama Launches Eco Treadsetters Social Network Site

Tire Review, September 17, 2007

(Akron/Tire Review) Yokohama Tire Corp. launched Eco Treadsetters, a consumer online social network focused on environmental issues. Read More»

Fort Knox expands to dig longer life for mine operations

Alaska Journal of Commerce, September 16, 2007

Kinross Gold said prospects are good for a planned expansion of mining that could add several years of operating life to the company's Fort Knox mine.

In a Sept. 6 briefing to an Anchorage business group, Kinross also said there is potential for more new gold resources to be found in the immediate area of Fort Knox, which could lead to future mining. Read More»

Codelco raises planned Gaby output 10% - Chile

Business News Americas, September 14, 2007

Chile's state copper company Codelco has expanded the planned production of its Gabriela Mistral mine, known as Gaby, by 10% starting in its second year, chief executive José Pablo Arellano said on Friday. Read More»

Colony Tire CEO Charlie Creighton Named Tire Dealer of the Year

Carolina Newswire, September 13, 2007

EDENTON, NC — Charlie Creighton, Chief Executive Officer of Colony Tire Corp. has been recognized as Modern Tire Dealer magazine’s Tire Dealer of the Year, the tire industry’s top honor. Creighton was chosen to receive this prestigious award from more than 26,000 eligible independent tire dealers throughout North America. Read More»

Michelin Sweeps J.D. Power and Associates Original Equipment Awards Again

PR News Wire, September 12, 2007

Another Michelin sweep as the tire maker is ranked highest in customer satisfaction in every segment of the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study. "Receiving awards is never boring and we never rest on our laurels," said Tom Chubb, vice president of marketing for Michelin Automotive Industry Division. "We strive every single day to earn this endorsement from drivers and achieving our 10th sweep is extremely gratifying." Read More»

Geoff Bradburn Retires from Bridgestone OTR Department

Reifen Press, September 11, 2007

After 46 years in the OTR Tyre industry Geoff Bradburn is to retire at the end of September 2007. Bradburn worked on some key accounts Bridgestone’s OTR business, including Ainscough crane, McAlpines, Foster Yeoman, to name a few that Geoff has had account management and responsibility for in his long career.

Commenting on his career and pending retirement, John McNaught, Bridgestone UK MD said: “Geoff has made a great contribution to Bridgestone OTR dept his commitment, professionalism, and dedication to his accounts makes him one of the best in the business, we wish him well in his retirement.”

CMA prepares to open first wholly-owned U.S. warehouse

Modern Tire Dealer, September 10, 2007

China Manufacturers Alliance LLC (CMA) is preparing to open its first wholly-owned distribution center in the United States, a facility in Memphis, Tenn.

CMA, which is based in Monrovia, Calif., also leases a warehouse in Ohio.

The Memphis distribution center will stock Double Coin brand medium truck tires and Double Coin OTR tires made by Shanghai Tyre & Rubber Co. Ltd.

The facility will be the first of several, says CMA spokesman Larry Williams. "The second will be somewhere on the West Coast."

Hankook plans to raise tire prices on Oct. 1

Modern Tire Dealer, September 8, 2007

Hankook Tire America Corp. will raise prices by up to 4% on its full line of passenger, high performance and light truck tires. The amount of the increase will vary by product line and/or size.

The increases will take effect October 1st, 2007.

The price increases "reflect rising costs in raw materials as well as higher costs in transportation and general operating expenses," according to Hankook.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. (up to 4%), Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corp. (3.5%) and Continental Tire North America Inc. (up to 6%) also will raise consumer tire prices on Oct. 1.

Kirkby Tyres Adds to Storage Capacity in Eire

Reifen Press, September 7, 2007

Kirkby Tyres has set up a new storage facility in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, as part of the company’s ongoing expansion plans, online news sources have reported. Over the past few months the company has been building up stock at the new facility, with a view to increasing its over-all stock holding and reducing delivery times to the trade. Kirkby Tyres now offers a wide range of Agri, Industrial, MPT, Earthmover ad Forklift tyres from the Tipperary facility. The expansion is believed to have been prompted by the growth of the company’s wheel and tyre business.

VMI Launches New OTR Radial Builder

Reifen Press, September 6, 2007

Netherlands based supplier of equipment and services for producers of passenger car, commercial and OTR radials, VMI, has launched its first radial VMI OTR Tire Building system. This system utilises flat drum building technology and assembles green tyres in sizes between 17.5 R25 and 24.00 R35. Manufacture is performed in a single process, including the application of the tread. This unique method of assembling radial OTR tyres utilises the transfer rings and other technology already tried and tested in VMI’s tyre manufacturing equipment for truck and bus radials.

This high capacity OTR radial machine produces radials at a rate of up to 2.5 tyres per hour for 24.00 R35” tyres. VMI reports that downtime for size changes is low because of a minimum amount of tooling and the maximum use of universal computer controls.

VMI’s R&D team has been working for a year and a half to build the company’s first OTR radial machinery, and they are confident the end result will answer the needs of the booming OTR tyre market.

India Tire Exports Register Marginal Growth

Tire Review, September 6, 2007

(Akron/Tire Review – Hindu Business Line) India’s tire exports for fiscal year 2006-07 registered a marginal growth of 1.15% at 54,49,560 units as against 53,87,502 units the year before Read More»

Global Tire Makers May Face Margin Squeeze, Despite Declining Raw-Material Prices: Report

Business Credit Management UK, September 5, 2007

Rather than easing the competitive pressure on global tire industry, declining raw-material prices in 2007 may actually put pressure on margins and cash flows, cautions a report published today by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services "Peer Comparison: Global Tire Makers May Face Pressure When Raw-Material Prices Decline". Read More»

FTS sets end date for Chinese tire recall

Modern Tire Dealer, August 31, 2007

Foreign Tire Sales Inc.'s recall of some 250,000 light truck tires made by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd. will end on Oct. 25, says FTS owner Richard Kuskin. The recall began on Aug. 9. Read More»

Cat plans to expand presence in China

The Chicago Tribune, August 29, 2007

Caterpillar Inc., in a move that underscores the extent to which the Peoria-based company is benefiting from burgeoning Asian demand, disclosed plans Tuesday for a new Chinese manufacturing facility that could turn out as many as 100,000 diesel engines a year.

The heavy-equipment giant called its planned "state-of-the-art" facility in Wuxi, in Jiangsu province, a "key element" in the company's strategy of ramping up its manufacturing presence in China. Read More»

Protecting Your Business from Imported Products Liability

Tire Review, August 29, 2007

(Akron/Tire Review) Are you a manufacturer? Before you say “no,” read this.

[Editor’s Note: This article was written by Daryl Allegree, manager of risk engineering for Zurich’s Direct Underwriters business unit, in response to tire dealer concerns about the liability issues attached with importing tires and other products.]

Your first instinct is to say, “Of course not, I’m in the retail tire and service industry.” But are you really? Under certain circumstances, the courts could determine that for tort liability purposes you are a tire or wheel manufacturer – or at least stand in the shoes of the manufacturer – in the eyes of the law. Read More»

Goodyear names Asia Pacific marketing director

Modern Tire Dealer, August 29, 2007

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has appointed D.P. Singh marketing director of the Consumer PBU division for its Asia Pacific region. He will be based in Shanghai, China. Read More»

Police Nail Tire Repairmen

Tire Review Online, August 28, 2007

(Akron/Tire Review) According to local media, enterprising Cambodian tire repairmen were jailed after being arrested for spicing up their business by covering roads near their roadside repair stalls with nails.
Chamcarmon district police in the capital of Phnom Penh said they detained Khy Pros, 21, and So Mom, 26, both of whom made a living from fixing flat tires on the roadside, on Aug. 17.

The arrests came after a senior government official's car was stopped by a suspicious quantity of nails on the road.

Both men face charges of vandalism and disrupting public order by Phnom Penh Municipal Court and are now serving up to six months in Prey Sar jail awaiting trial, court officials said on Monday.

If convicted, the pair face up to five years each in prison.

Sweating It Out

Small Business Finance Blog, August 24, 2007

It’s been the best of times and the worst of times for OTR tire dealers. Over the past three years, mining, quarry and construction customers have been crying out for new tires. But all the orders in the world mean nothing without tires. Read More»

Amerityre Introduces Amerifill(TM) for Tire Fill Market

CNNMoney.com, August 23, 2007

BOULDER CITY, Nev., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Amerityre Corporation , a leading developer of polyurethane technologies, today announced that it has developed a product line of high-quality polyurethane foam and elastomer chemicals and delivery systems for use in the commercial tire fill market. The new materials will be marketed under the name Amerifill(TM). Currently, tire fill materials are used in many tire applications, including OTR (off-the-road) construction, industrial and mining applications, to "flat-proof" and extend the life of rubber tires. Read More»

Titan applauds feds' decision to continue investigation

Modern Tire Dealer, August 22, 2007

"We are very encouraged that the Commerce Department voted to proceed with (its) investigation" of Chinese OTR tire dumping, says Titan International Chairman and CEO Morry Taylor. Read More»

Time to Buy Gold Stocks: A Vicious Circle Turns Virtuous

Seeking Alpha, August 16, 2007

Mining companies were simultaneously blessed and cursed by the developing world's insatiable demand for raw materials; while accelerating demand led to higher metals prices across the board, it also led to labor shortages, tire shortages, transport bottlenecks, and killer production costs in general. Read More»

Range of Wheel Chocks available from Checkers

Ferret.com.au, August 15, 2007

Checkers off road Wheel Chocks are an essential part of a safe mining operation.

The road block range has a reputation of being the strong and long lasting Wheel Chocks in the industry.

Specifically the MC1811 model is used for steep grade operations and for tyre sizes greater than 2.6m in diameter yet it only weighs 18kg.

That means even the large trucks such as the CAT 797 and Komatsu 930E can be chocked safely.

SM Safety Special Mining Services is Checkers' Australian distributor and stocks all of Checkers off road and urethane model Chocks

Quadra Mining Ltd. Announces Strong Second Quarter 2007 Financial Results

Marketwire.com, August 15, 2007

The global shortage of large off-road tires is being addressed by improvements in operating practices which are extending the useful life of all tires. The Company also entered into a tire supply agreement to help meet 2007 requirements Read More»

North American Energy Partners Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2008

CNNMoney.com, August 14, 2007

Rod Ruston, President and CEO, noted, "While we were pleased with the overall level of business and demand for our services, continued high equipment costs, primarily for tires and maintenance, coupled with approximately $16 million of items not related to current operations, significantly impacted net income. Read More»

Chinese tire maker lashes out against US recall, says importer is twisting facts

International Herald Tribune, August 10, 2007

BEIJING: Firing back over product safety fears, China's Health Ministry said foreign media were exaggerating the country's food purity problems, while a Chinese tire maker at the center of a huge U.S. recall accused the U.S. importer of distortions Read More»

Bridgestone reports increases in 1H sales and earnings

Modern Tire Review, August 9, 2007

Bridgestone Corp. recorded net income of 52.9 billion yen on net sales of 1.6 trillion yen for the first half ended June 30, 2007. That compares to income of 32.8 billion on sales of 1.4 trillion yen for the first-half of 2006. Read More»

Second-Hand Tyres Costing More Than New as OTR Shortage Bites

Tire Review, August 8, 2007

Second-hand tyres for large off-road trucks were costing more than new ones because of the biting tyre shortage, Kumba Iron Ore CEO Ras Myburgh told Mining Weekly Online on Tuesday Read More»

Sibur-Russian Tyres Looks for PCR Production Partner

Tire Review, August 8, 2007

Be in no doubt – Russian manufacturer Sibur-Russian Tyres has set its sights on the global market.

And, with annual sales of around $800 million and debts of only $100 million, the company has a good credit rating and is willing to go to great lengths in order to achieve this end. Read More»

Michelin earmarks $350 million for plant upgrades in South Carolina

Modern Tire Dealer, August 7, 2007

A new round of investing by Michelin North America Inc. will improve and expand every major manufacturing facility in South Carolina over the next four years. Read More»

Haohua South (Guilin) Launches Giant OTR Tyres

Tire Review, August 6, 2007

Rubber Corp., has recently rolled out the first OTR tyre, Torch 40.00-57-68PR, currently the largest in China, from its Guilin Tyre Factory. Read More»

Retaining women after recruiting them seen as a challenge

Mining Weekly Online, August 3, 2007

Increasing the percentage of women working in the mining industry is official government policy in South Africa, enshrined in the Broad-Based Socioeconomic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining Industry. In terms of this Charter, the stakeholders in the mining industry “aspire” to having a “baseline” of 10% female “participation” in the industry within five years of the activation of the Charter. Read More»

Qingdao Aims to Build Biggest OTR Tyre in the World

Tire Review, August 3, 2007

Already a producer of giant OTR tyres such as 45/65-45 L5, 37.25-35E3, 4000-57E4, 50/80-57, 52/80-57, 58/85-57, 70/70-57, Qingdao Qizhou Rubber is planning to make “the biggest tyre in the world - 59/90R63,” which is expected to be available by the end of 2007. Read More»

Titan announces General price increase

Modern Tire Dealer, August 3, 2007

Titan Tire Corp. will implement a price increase on General brand off-the-road tires effective Sept. 1, 2007. Read More»

BFNT makes 14 Continuum OTR tread designs available

Modern Tire Dealer, July 24, 2007

Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC (BFNT) says its Continuum OTR tread rubber selection covers 14 tread designs in 40 sizes. Read More»

FTS light truck tire recall could cost $80 million

Modern Tire Dealer, July 23, 2007

Foreign Tire Sales Inc. (FTS)says its recall of up to 450,000 allegedly defective Chinese-made light truck tires could cost up to $80 million. Read More»

Michelin eyes 1st tire from new unit in Nov - Brazil

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

French tire manufacturer Michelin plans to produce in November the first tire at its new Brazilian unit, which is focused on mining and earth moving equipment, a Michelin spokesperson in Brazil told BNamericas.

Investment to build the factory in Rio de Janeiro state totals US$200mn. The unit is slated for inauguration in January 2008 and will employ 440 people, the spokesperson said via email. In 2010, the facility is expected to produce 40,000t of 25-49-inch (63.5-124cm) tires. "Tire demand for surface mining will increase more than 40% from now through 2012 due to global economic development and demand for energy and raw materials," the official added. Michelin installed its first tire making facility in Brazil in 1979.

For N.J. importer of tires, a possibly fatal 1-2 punch

Everything Jersey - June 27, 2007

A New Jersey tire importer, ordered to recall up to 450,000 tires it bought from a Chinese manufacturer because of a safety threat, complied earlier this year with an order to stop selling other defective tires from China. Read More»

Industry Update

Equipment Today - June 25, 2007

Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC's Off Road Products Division announces the promotion of Shawn Rasey to executive director, Off Road Tire (OTR), and Ken Allen to executive director sales and marketing, Firestone Agricultural Tire Group (FSAG).

Rasey, who was previously executive director, North American Sales, OTR, will now be responsible for all North American sales, customer service, marketing, administration and engineering activities for the OTR Group.

Allen, who was previously director - Global OEM, Engineering and Export Sales, FSAG, will now be responsible for all North American sales channels, marketing, customer service and sales engineering groups.

Patch Rubber releases OTR tire repair manual

Modern Tire Dealer - June 20, 2007

Buoyed by the steady growth in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler industry, the country's largest tyre manufacturer JK Tyre is mulling re-entry after nearly 25 years into these segments.
Read More»

USW, Titan File China Trade Complaint

Tire Review Online - June 20, 2007

(Akron/Tire Review) The USW and Titan International have joined forces in a formal trade practices complaint against imported China-made OTR tires. Read More»

Techking Tires Gains ECE Approval

Tyres & Accessories, UK - June 18, 2007

Techking Tires Limited has launched its ECE approved crane tyre, the 16.00R25. According to the company, the Techking 16.00R25 is the first product amongst similar Chinese crane tyres to receive the three-star ECE rating. In July, Techking plans to launch additional 14.00R24, 14.00R25, 17.5R25 and 20.5R25 sizes for mobile crane application. Read More»

Approximately 60% of booth space has been filled for Tyrexpo Africa 2008

Modern Tire Dealer - June 12, 2007

The influence of Chinese and Indian tire manufacturers on the southern African market for OTR, mining and quarrying tires is set to grow substantially, according to the organizers of Tyrexpo Africa ’08.

The exhibition will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from March 4-6, 2008. Almost 60% of stand space has already been sold, reports show organizer ECI International. Read More»

RMA forecasts 2.3% increase in tread rubber shipments

ThomasNet - June 7, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 29, 2007 - Sustained economic growth and a general recovery in the tread rubber industry will fuel a 2.3 percent shipment increase in 2007, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association's Tread Rubber Market Analysis Committee (TRMAC). Read More»

WTA Expands OTR Tire Division with Two Key Personnel

6/4/2007 Emedia Wire

World Trade Association (WTA), a leading independent U.S. tire wholesaler, is expanding its Xtreme OTR Tire Division with the addition of two new high-level personnel.
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Tyre market evolves

5/29/2007

The well documented tyre shortages have resulted in some innovative solutions, particularly in respect of larger tyre sizes. More»

Ceat in expansion mode

5/23/2007 Iris News Source

The RPG group Ceat is planning two greenfield facilities, one of them includes setting up a Rs 2.5-3 billion specialty tyre plant, reports Business Line. Read More»

Goodyear Signs Two OTR Supply Contracts

5/21/2007 reifenpresse.de

Goodyear OTR has renegotiated major contracts with Southampton Containers (part of the Dubai Ports Group) and Tilbury Container Services – to supply Goodyear EV-4A and EV-4S for Straddle Carriers. Read More»

Indian Figures Show Production Up, Exports Down

5/18/2007 tirereview.com

Detailed figures showing tyre production and exports by Indian manufacturers have been released, covering the months of December 2006 and January this year. Read More»

Titan decides to produce giant OTR tires

5/17/2007 moderntiredealer.com

Titan International Inc. is now in the giant OTR tire business. Titan's board has approved funding for the company to build 57- and 63-inch radial tires at an expected rate of 6,000 units a year. Read More»

WTA Appoints Two Former Goodyear Men

5/17/2007 reifenpresse.de

World Trade Association (WTA) has hired Peter Ahumada, formerly of Goodyear Tire & Rubber and Wingfoot Commercial, as VP in charge of their OTR tyre operations. Read More»

Maintaining Tyre Supply in a Tight OTR Market

5/10/2007 reifenpresse.de

With the global OTR tyre market dragging on into yet another year of shortages, some large scale equipment operators are more than fed up – they are ready to take matters into their own hands. Read More»


Top retreaders continue to invest, expand

5/5/2007 moderntiredealer.com

This year is turning out to be one of investment and expansion for some of the country's leading independent retreaders. A number of retreaders have told moderntiredealer.com they are making big changes at their operations. Read More»


J K Tyre profit zooms

4/30/2007 Moneycontrol.com

(JKTI), a leader in the Tyre Industry and manufacturer of well known 'J K TYRE' and 'VIKRANT' brands has recorded a turn over of Rs.852 crores in the second Quarter ended 31st March, 2007. Profit Before Tax is Rs.22 crores which is five times compared to the corresponding Quarter of the previous year. Read More»

Extending Tire Life

Proper care of haul roads can help extend tire life. Regular, good maintenance of both is necessary to minimize the negative impact on tires.

2007 Jack Dutcher.

Would it hurt your profitability if one or more of your off-the-road production vehicles were parked for a month or more? Would it matter if they were parked was because you couldn't get replacement tires?
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