KraussMaffei Extrusion has completed three intensive days at Tire Technology Expo 2026, held from 3 to 5 March in Hanover. The company presented solutions for the extrusion of tire components and an expanded service offering. The booth attracted strong interest from international industry specialists, particularly in technologies enabling precise, efficient and reliable production of tire components. The focus was on both new Multiplex and Rollerhead systems and the modernization of existing production lines, as well as digital tools that streamline service support. Sustainable tire production and the development directions for rubber extrusion processes in this context were also important topics at the trade fair.
Dynamic development of the tire market
According to KraussMaffei Extrusion, the international tire market continues to grow dynamically. Dr Gerard Nijman, Senior Technical Expert Tire & Rubber at KraussMaffei Extrusion, emphasized that particularly strong momentum is being observed in regions such as India, Korea, Eastern Europe and, increasingly, Africa. This growth is driven primarily by the rising number of vehicles worldwide.
The expert pointed out that there are currently around 600 registered vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants in Germany, whereas in India the figure is only about 22 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants, which translates into significant growth potential. At the same time, new mobility concepts, such as electromobility and car sharing, are changing the requirements placed on tires and on tire production processes.
Another observed trend is a shift in production towards regional markets. The aim is to reduce transport costs, shorten delivery times and lessen the impact of trade barriers. In this environment KraussMaffei Extrusion highlights its positioning as a supplier of solutions tailored to the needs of regional production plants.
Multiplex and Rollerhead technologies for tire component production
The main focus of the trade fair presentation was on high-performance technologies for precise, efficient and stable production of tire components, including Multiplex and Rollerhead systems. KraussMaffei Extrusion has been one of the leading global suppliers of Multiplex systems for decades. These solutions enable high-precision coextrusion of different rubber components, which is crucial for productivity and efficiency in tire manufacturing.
In the area of Rollerhead systems, the company presented solutions designed for cost-effective production of components for PCR passenger car tires and TBR truck and bus tires. These solutions are aimed at achieving stable product quality while optimizing process costs.
Growing importance of retrofits for existing lines
Alongside new machines, the modernization of installed systems is gaining importance. KraussMaffei Extrusion lines, previously marketed under the Berstorff brand, are known for their durability and very long service lives, often measured in decades. The company stresses that, with tailored retrofit solutions, it supports customers in adapting existing lines to new production requirements and in improving process efficiency.
Modernization can cover mechanical components, control systems and the integration of digital solutions. The objective is to increase output, improve process stability and adapt installations to current quality standards and the requirements of the tire industry.
Expanded service offering and digital support
An important part of the presentation at Tire Technology Expo 2026 was the extended service offering. One of the new features is digital access to service via a QR code located directly on the machine. This solution enables customers to contact the service department quickly and easily.
Thanks to automatic recording of the machine number and order number, service requests can be processed much faster. According to Dr Gerard Nijman, existing lines and extruders will be retrofitted with the QR code in the near future. If required, this can be combined with an inspection of the installation carried out by the company's experts (health check).
Sustainable tire production and development directions
The topic of sustainability in tire production was one of the key issues discussed at the trade fair. Dr Gerard Nijman presented current development work in a technical paper titled "How to make the rubber extrusion process more sustainable?". After the presentation, there was a discussion with industry representatives on future challenges and possible solutions in the area of rubber extrusion processes.
The main points of interest included energy efficiency, process stability and potential technological improvements that can help reduce resource consumption while maintaining the required tire quality levels. These discussions are part of a broader trend towards more sustainable solutions in the tire industry.
Outlook after Tire Technology Expo 2026
KraussMaffei Extrusion evaluates its participation in Tire Technology Expo 2026 positively, pointing to constructive discussions with customers and partners and strong interest in both new lines and modernization of existing installations. The company expresses an optimistic view of the further development of the international tire market and is already planning to take part in the next edition of Tire Technology Expo.
The KraussMaffei Extrusion team gave a positive assessment of participation in Tire Technology Expo 2026 in Hanover. International visitors showed strong interest in solutions for extrusion of tire components.
