News

Effective April 1, 2025, Masakazu Tokura will transition from Representative Director and Chairman of the Board to Director and Counselor, Keiichi Iwata will move from Representative Director and President to Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, and Nobuaki Mito will advance from Senior Management Executive Officer to President. It is noted that Masakazu Tokura is expected to resign as Director at the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders in June 2025. Following this meeting and the subsequent Board of Directors meeting, Nobuaki Mito will be inaugurated as Representative Director and President.

Kurita America, part of the Kurita Group, announced its pending merger with sister company, Avista Technologies, Inc. (Avista). This merger will officially take effect on April 1, 2025. Avista, headquartered in San Marcos, California, specializes in membrane treatment solutions and process support for reverse osmosis systems, microfiltration/ultrafiltration and multimedia filtration.

The Valex Group has been awarded the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) this past November. This recognition means so much to Valex Group—not just as a company, but as a team of women making their mark in the rubber industry.

The International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM), based in WMG at the University of Warwick, celebrated its 10th anniversary in November 2024. This milestone marked a decade of groundbreaking research and innovation in polymer processing and nanocomposite manufacturing. Engelmann & Buckham (E&B), a leading provider of laboratory equipment.
Equipment supplied includes the MonTech D-RPA 3000 Dynamic Rubber Process Analyzer, which offers unmatched precision in static and dynamic rubber analysis, the MonTech P-VS 3000 Sample Cutter for consistency in sample preparation, the MonTech CP3000 Bale Cutter for cutting polymer bales, blocks, and rubber sheets with precision, the MonTech Fatigue Tester FT 3000 CH for evaluating rubber compound durability under various conditions, and the 2 Roll Mill and other laboratory tools for mixing, blending, and testing rubber compounds under varied temperature conditions.

The FTSE4Good Index Series, the FTSE Blossom Japan Index, and the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index are ESG investment indices created by the global index and data provider FTSE Russell (FTSE International Limited and Frank Russell Company), which conducts evaluations based on performance in areas such as Corporate Governance, Health & Safety, Anti-Corruption, and Climate Change.

Toyo Tires® announces the new Open Country® R/T Pro, an on-/off-road rugged terrain hybrid M/T tire. Designed to tackle dirt, sand, mud, rocks, and snow with confidence, the R/T Pro takes the original rugged terrain tire to the next level. Its advanced tread design and specially engineered compound deliver exceptional traction and performance on even the most challenging terrain. Featuring professional-grade durability with a 3-ply sidewall and massive shoulder lugs, it offers protection against cuts, chips, and impacts, ensuring longer-lasting off-road fun, all while providing a comfortable ride home.

Ford’s new Explorer and Capri electric SUVs come factory-fitted exclusively with Continental tires. The US automotive manufacturer has approved the EcoContact 6 Q summer tires in 19, 20 and 21-inch sizes for both vehicle models. For use in all seasons, Ford has also issued an original equipment approval for the AllSeasonContact all-weather tires in 19-inch size