David and Cheryl Venarge are the 2025 recipients of Akron Community Foundation’s Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award. David is the owner of APV Engineered Coatings, a nearly 150-year-old business where he worked prior to purchasing the company in 1982. In addition to his work, David has been involved with numerous nonprofits in the area, including Mount Hope Cemetery and First Tee Akron.

Bellofram Elastomers has expanded its U.S. manufacturing facility to accommodate 12 new compression molding presses with vacuum for its diaphragm division. The equipment, in compressions ranging from 250 tons to 400 tons, dramatically increases Bellofram’s diaphragm production capacity to meet growing market share. Floor space was expanded accordingly by more than 2,000 square feet.

Zeon Corporation has developed Nipol® BR1300, a new hydrophilic polymer for winter tires. This polymer is synthesized using polybutadiene rubber as its structural base, resulting in an unprecedented level of hydrophilicity as a material for tires. Having completed development for tire applications, Zeon began commercial production of the polymer in May 2025 at its Tokuyama Plant (Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture).

Continental Tire the Americas announces the appointment of Wyatt D. Hamilton, Sr. as the new Director of Sales for the Truck Tire Replacement division in the United States.

In his new role, Wyatt will lead Continental’s strategic initiatives to grow market share, strengthen customer relationships and drive sales performance across the U.S. replacement truck tire segment. He brings more than two decades of experience and a deep understanding of both the Replacement (RE) and Original Equipment (OE) aspects of the business.

Apollo Tyres Ltd has appointed R Mahalakshmi as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective immediately. Bringing nearly 3 decades of rich experience across India, Africa, the UK and Southeast Asia, Mahalakshmi joins Apollo Tyres with an impressive track record of leading transformative people strategies in complex, multicultural environments.

The K-Alliance stands for the international strategy of Messe Düsseldorf, for performance promises and customer-oriented service. Because in the international trade fair business it is important to create professional communication platforms for globally operating companies. Messe Düsseldorf’s international portfolio provides an ideal offering here – both with K in Düsseldorf and worldwide. Own events and strategic alliances with leading trade fairs for the plastics and rubber industry offer the industry tailor-made opportunities.