Technological breakthroughs

Tire manufacturing is no longer just about output; it’s about intelligence, agility, and staying ahead in a changing world. And that means building operations that are smarter and more connected.

With decades of tire industry experience, Cimcorp sees the tire plant of the future clearly: a highly automated, data-driven factory with efficiency and innovation at its core. As the industry faces shifting consumer expectations, the rise of EVs, and rapid technological change, embracing intelligent automation will provide a lasting competitive edge. Here are the key trends shaping the next generation of tire manufacturing and how forward-thinking companies can stay ahead.

Smarter automation with AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming central to next-generation tire manufacturing. With vast amounts of data flowing through today’s factories, AI enables manufacturers to extract real-time insights that drive smarter, faster decisions. When integrated with automated tire handling systems, AI supports everything from predictive maintenance and quality control to production monitoring and planning.

Tire makers have more data than ever before, but data is not valuable unless it’s actionable. AI can instantly extract the relevant insights. However, what excites us about AI isn’t just the technology itself; it’s the shift in mindset it enables. Instead of reacting to problems after they happen, manufacturers can anticipate and prevent issues before they ever impact operations. This foresight can transform not just the manufacturing operations but overall business strategy. That’s where the real opportunity lies.  — Pekka Saraketo, Sales Manager

By embracing this AI-powered proactive mindset, tire makers can unlock new levels of efficiency, agility, and strategic control to keep their factories and businesses running smoothly at all times.

Risk-free innovation with digital twins

Technology-driven tire manufacturers are turning to digital twins to drive smarter decision-making, before a single machine hits the floor. These dynamic virtual models mirror real-world production environments and are continuously updated with live data. This virtual-first mindset accelerates experimentation and innovation while reducing implementation risk.

“Digital twins let manufacturers simulate production scenarios, identify bottlenecks, and refine processes without impacting the actual factory,” said Tapio Korkeamäki, Director of Tire Industry Sales. The technology is already helping tire makers visualize and validate automation strategies.

When building a new factory or retrofitting an existing one, 3D models can illustrate how a potential automated solution will look and function. This gives tire makers the ability to ‘run’ the factory before it’s even built, ultimately boosting confidence in their investment decisions, reducing surprises during implementation, and ensuring the success of their automation journey. — Veli-Matti Hakala, CEO

Sustainability in mind

As regulations tighten and consumers demand accountability, sustainability is becoming a core driver of competitiveness. Tire companies are leveraging automation to boost productivity while advancing environmental goals, from reducing energy consumption and minimizing scrap to optimizing the use of raw materials. Automation can support smarter, cleaner, and more efficient manufacturing practices.

Hakala said, “Moving forward, it will be essential for tire companies to make meaningful changes that balance economic and ecological priorities. To do so effectively, sustainability must be embedded in operational strategy, not treated as a separate initiative. That’s where automation plays a critical role in creating long-term value.”

The rise of EVs

As EVs go mainstream, they bring new demands for tire manufacturers, especially in SKU complexity, agility, and storage. To stay ahead, tire manufacturers will need fast, flexible, and scalable automation. Modular, space-saving systems powered by intelligent software represent a strategic path forward. They enable efficient operations that can evolve with changing demands.

Software can breathe life into machines, making them intelligent and adaptable. When demand shifts or companies add new products, smart automation can help factories accommodate more SKUs, boost production capacity, optimize material flow, and collect all critical data along the way. That level of adaptability will be essential in meeting the demands of the EV era. — Pekka Saraketo, Sales Manager

Growing cybersecurity concerns

As tire factories become more connected and data-driven, cybersecurity is becoming more critical than ever. Cloud systems such as AI and analytics unlock new capabilities, but they also introduce new risks. Production data, customer information, and intellectual property are all vulnerable in an increasingly complex cyber landscape. Manufacturers are already a major target for cyber criminals. According to IBM, manufacturing has been the most attacked industry for four years in a row, representing 26% of all incidents within the top 10 industries.

To innovate safely, manufacturers need cybersecurity strategies that protect their operations without slowing them down. Instead of relying on external data connections, a localized approach can ensure that all data processing happens securely within the factory. This not only eliminates potential vulnerabilities but also grants full control over their systems and data.

“In an era of increasing cyber threats, a localized, self-contained model offers unmatched reliability and peace of mind for manufacturers,” said Hakala. “This kind of approach ensures manufacturers can pursue digital innovation with confidence and control.”

When automating, manufacturers should choose a technology partner whose solutions are built with security in mind from the outset and configured securely by default. ISO 27001 certification is a global standard for information security management and a key indicator of a strong commitment to cybersecurity. Working with an ISO certified provider not only protects sensitive data but also helps manufacturers meet their own compliance requirements.

Ready for what’s next?

The tire industry’s future leaders will be those who can adapt quickly, scale intelligently, and make data actionable. At Cimcorp, we believe the next decade will belong to those innovators who move decisively to build smart, scalable, secure, and sustainable operations today. By investing in intelligent automation, tire makers can position themselves for long-term resilience and growth.