During the annual Gala dinner at the Tire Technology Expo on February 26th 2020, VMI was honored with the Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year award. The award was received by Mr Harm Voortman, President and CEO of VMI Group.
VMI Recognised at Tire Technology Expo
Each year, the Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence are presented to reward the successful companies in the tyre design and manufacturing industry. The shortlist of nominees is compiled based on input from the readers of Tire Technology International and the magazine’s editorial team. An independent panel of international tire industry experts then cast their votes to determine the winners.
Kuninobu Kadota, from the tyre research division at Bridgestone, who was a part of the judge panel said, "The flexibility of VMI's MAXX tyre building machine becomes even more attractive with the addition of light truck production.”
Mr Harm Voortman: “We are honored to receive this important award. In 2009, VMI launched the MAXX tyre building machine, a revolution in tire building. The MAXX not only changed the concept of tyre building, with its hands-off, eyes-off principle, it also introduced the platform approach. With this platform approach, VMI introduced a manufacturing system which can be continuously improved and updated, so that it remains at best practice level throughout its lifespan by means of upgrades, extension or retrofits. Now, with the addition of the Synchro Crown drum, customers can build all types of tyres on one platform, delivering a high return and maximised profitability to our customers”.
