Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Tire
    • Airless Tires
    • Non-Tire
    • More News
    • Suppliers
    • Silicone
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Opinion
    • Online Exclusive
    • Special Reports
    • Automotive
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Sustainability
    • Blogs
      • Products
      • Wacky World of Rubber
    • Best Places to Work
    • War in Ukraine
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • ITEC
    • Women Breaking the Mold
  • PFAS
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • PFAS Live
    • Ask the Expert
    • International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
    • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
May 08, 2017 02:00 AM

Q&A with Cimcorp's Jyrki Anttonen

European Rubber Journal
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Jyrki Anttonen

    LONDON—When it comes to the tire factories of the future, Industry 4.0 will play a significant role in shaping how they look and operate, according to Cimcorp Technology Director Jyrki Anttonen. He also believes that tire makers will be forced to "think outside the box" and make changes to some of the established practices.

    He will expound on both of these issues when he gives his presentation on managing end-to-end automation and robotics on the first day of the Future Tire Conference 2017, sent for June 27-28 in Cologne, Germany.

    First, please identify one significant technical development in the tire industry over recent years, and explain its importance.

    Software that integrates the production machines and material handling systems to automate the material flow and control the production process from raw materials goods-in to the finished tire loading dock. At Cimcorp we have our own software suite, including our Warehouse Control System (WCS) and Manufacturing Execution System (MES), which enables integration into one seamless operation. It raises productivity dramatically through smaller buffer stores and reduced work in process (WIP). In addition, it improves the transparency of the production process, paving the way for further enhancement and development in the future.

    What do you see as the main barriers to the development of the tire manufacturing industry over the next few years?

    Many tire companies have manufacturing methods and production strategies that they have followed for decades. The established way of doing things naturally leads to conservative thinking. This is especially true for the upstream processes—raw materials, mixing and compounding, and component manufacturing—in tire plants. We need to help tire producers to think outside of the box.

    Cimcorp has created innovative solutions for the downstream processes—from tire building to shipping—and these new ideas have been very well received by our customers. What requires new thinking is the upstream processes.

    Which technologies will play the biggest role in shaping the 'tire factory of the future', and why?

    Lean manufacturing technology that is fully adapted to the demands of the tire industry. Lean manufacturing makes it obvious what adds value, and strips back everything that does not add value. The result is smaller production buffers—for green tires, for example—and minimized waiting times, meaning 100 percent availability of all materials at every production machine.

    Another key concept will be modularity; this needs a shift in management thinking to realize that you don't need to establish a huge tire plant all at once; you can build new capacity (by adding production lines) in a modular fashion, step by step.

    Looking into the crystal ball, what big changes do you expect to see in tire manufacture and supply by 2030?

    Industry 4.0 will be the most important factor in shaping the smart plants of the future. Cimcorp's Dream Factory solution already features the key elements of Industry 4.0—modular plant structure, process control and robotic systems.

    In this way, just-in-time and lean manufacturing will truly break through and enable streamlined production, higher utilization rates and minimized buffer stores, resulting in maximum productivity.

    Future Tire Conference 2017 will be held June 27-28 in Cologne, Germany. The event will focus on the adoption of integrated automation technologies in the tire industry and is supported by the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers' Association and Germany's tire trade association the BRV.

    VMI is a Platinum sponsor for the event.

    Early bird registration ends May 10. To register click here.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    UAW adds 38 GM, Stellantis parts distribution centers to strike
    2
    WDK warns of 'immense pressure' on German rubber industry
    3
    ARPM webinar: Prolonged UAW strike would hit auto suppliers hard
    4
    Federica Tondini, Prometeon Tyre Group | Women Breaking the Mold 2023
    5
    Breaking molds, inspiring an entire industry | Women Breaking the Mold 2023
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Tire
      • Airless Tires
      • Non-Tire
      • More News
        • Automotive
        • Executive Action
        • Government/Legal
        • Sustainability
        • Blogs
          • Products
          • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Suppliers
      • Silicone
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Opinion
      • Online Exclusive
      • Special Reports
        • Best Places to Work
        • War in Ukraine
        • Rubber Division IEC
        • ITEC
        • Women Breaking the Mold
    • PFAS
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
        • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
      • PFAS Live
      • Ask the Expert
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION