INTERNATIONAL

Racing vs. street tires: Both influence Firestone tire development

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Tire development is consistently evolving, producing more innovative designs across the board. Whether it's on the race track, city streets or hometown roadways, tires need to perform for their drivers.

FINANCIALS

KraussMaffei sees slight growth as it navigates digital direction

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany—Munich's KraussMaffei Group expects a strong finish to 2018 despite slower growth in recent months.

EXECUTIVE ACTION

Nokian hires Tennessee plant manager, human resources leader

DAYTON, Tenn.—Nokian Tyres has hired two members of the leadership team for its first North American tire facility, a 830,000-sq.-ft. plant in Dayton that is on schedule to produce products in 2020.

FINANCIALS

Ongoing U.S.-China trade war impacting natural rubber prices

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Global demand for natural rubber outstripped supply by 874,000 metric tons throughout the the nine month period ending Sept. 30.

EXECUTIVE ACTION

Parker Hannifin names Dinu Parel as chief information officer

MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio—Parker Hannifin is getting a new chief information officer.

FINANCIALS

Michelin sales rise in third quarter, down for nine months

CLERMONT-FERRAND, France—Michelin's global sales for the quarter ended Sept. 30 rose 5.2 percent over 2017 to $6.57 billion despite some unfavorable currency effects.

EXPANSIONS

Bridgestone adding $45 million warehouse to Quebec tire plant

JOLIETTE, Quebec—Bridgestone Canada plans to build a $45 million automated warehouse in Joliette, adjacent to its passenger and light truck tire plant there, increasing its ability to serve North American customers.

INTERNATIONAL

Industry 4.0 specialist TIG opening U.S. office

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany—An Austrian company that specializes in manufacturing execution systems for injection molders plans to open an office in the U.S.

AUTOMOTIVE

Teknor Apex adds high-temperature nylon compounds

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany—Materials firm Teknor Apex is introducing new high-temperature grades of its Creamid-brand nylon compounds at Fakuma 2018.

FINANCIALS

Engel holds steady despite global economic uncertainties

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany—Despite a slowdown in North America amid trade uncertainty, Engel Holding expects global sales to reach around $1.85 billion for fiscal year 2018-19, marking a 6 percent increase in earnings over last year.

ACQUISITIONS

SK Capital Partners to combine SI Group, Addivant

NEW YORK—SK Capital Partners has completed its acquisition of global additives and intermediates manufacturer SI Group and plans to combine its operations with Addivant.