Manufacturing Today Issue - 228 Sept 2024 | Page 50

CEAT ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The pursuit of excellence

How CEAT has utilized efficiencies to generate substantial growth

Going into its 100th year of operation , CEAT is reaching new heights . As one of the world ’ s largest tire manufacturers , CEAT now operates in over 110 countries , producing over 140,000 tires a day . This remarkable growth phase can be attributed , in part , to a dramatic increase in overall efficiency across all operational areas . Managing Director and CEO , Arnab Banerjee , details : “ We have a strong focus on improvement and are constantly looking for inspiration , whether that comes from customers , competitors or other industries . Whenever we find something of value that isn ’ t protected by copyright , we study it thoroughly and implement it immediately .”

This relentless pursuit of excellence has been recognized by the Japanese Union of Scientists and Engineers , and CEAT has achieved the rare distinction of being the first tire brand to be awarded the prestigious Deming Grand Prize . Part of what makes this accolade so impressive is that it has been achieved by a business that manufactures such a diverse range of products . Arnab expands on the company ’ s offering : “ We operate in all categories , from passenger vehicle and truck tires to scooter and motorcycle tires , and all the way up to earth mover and agricultural tires .”
Each product comes with its own unique needs and requirements . “ With electric vehicles ( EVs ), for example ,” Arnab continues , “ tire life can be compromised . So , the tire needs to be more durable and also offer very low rolling resistance . Since EVs have fewer moving parts , tires are the main source of noise and therefore need to be produced in a way that minimizes the noise output . Also , when EVs start moving they require a greater amount of torque , so the tires and their patterns must be able to deliver more torque and traction . Range anxiety is also a common focus point in the EV market , and improved rolling resistance can increase the range by eight-to-ten percent .”
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