HIGH PROFILE
IM Editorial Director Paul Moore with Yokohama’ s Tracy Maclear, Director for Global Marketing & Strategy – OTR at Yokohama; and Stephan Renson, Senior Sales Director OTR EU Markets and Global OE
mining companies are already seeing that the move will improve the supply situation. There was no overreaction from customers – once they knew Goodyear OTR was to be sold, they remained calm and waited to see who the buyer would be. Yokohama Rubber Company reassured them that they would have continuity of supply and consistency of product performance – that the same respected products would remain available to them. Going forward, we remain the number three with Yokohama and Goodyear OTR together, but we have the clear ambition to be number two. We will grow the business and help customers understand that Yokohama offers excellent value across a variety of applications. In only eight years, Yokohama has invested US $ 5 billion in its OHT business showing dedication to the offhighway business.
Q: Are there particular product lines or technologies that Goodyear OTR is known for in mining?
SR: In surface mining, the products from 39 inch to 63 inch are very well accepted in the market. They feature the latest technologies in materials, design, construction and manufacturing. Goodyear OTR started making 63 inch in radial tyres in 2010, after it had already been producing 57 inch radials since the early 1990s. We also have a very strong offer in the underground tyre market and products such as the RL-5K and RL-5S radial loader tyres continue to be renowned for their leading performance. On top of the products themselves, we have a salesforce and an engineering team that work very closely with our customers. This includes tyre inspections and mine site tyre audits as well as discussing real operational conditions – with the aim to be a true business partner. We also have a strong position in original equipment tyre supply for mining and quarrying machines like loaders and ADTs. This includes working with companies like Volvo, Bell, Liebherr, Komatsu and Caterpillar as well as Sandvik and Epiroc for underground machines.
Q: Where do things go from here from a mining point of view?
TM: Our focus is to support existing customers and work with new mining customers. Very few mines have only one tyre supplier as it is in their best interests, both strategically and logistically, to have at least two options. And there is definitely a place for Yokohama OTR there. Following the appointment of Loic Ravasio, we are now operating with a global organisational
structure. We believe it is the best option for our customers to operate globally. John Black, Senior Vice President of Global OTR Sales and the team are working closely with the major mining houses. Some of these miners want a global partner as they make global procurement decisions for other key components and parts, and they want the same for large & ultra large tyres. Yokohama OTR strives to be a company that is easy to do business. A global team and strategy really helps to be clear, agile and transparent.
Q: What about digital tools including TPMS – how will your strategy there evolve?
TM: Innovations in intelligent tyre management systems that provide real-time insights to both machine operators and fleets continue to be part of our business focus. Powerful tyre management tools help extend tyre life and can support improved productivity, efficiency and safety. Yokohama offers a connected, data-based fleet management solution that constantly monitors tyre pressure and temperature for a wide range of machines and applications. The solution includes a built-in GPS allowing fleet managers to track and trace their machines. Combined with user-friendly mobile and web applications, the system supports an instant display of tyre health allowing proactive monitoring and preventative maintenance. This is complemented by the EMTrack system which enables fast and accurate collection of critical tyre data. Both solutions remain available, are well used in the market and were part of the acquisition agreement. The digital evolution is dynamic with technological advancements in many areas such as AI, sensors and automated systems. The aim is to enable improved tyre management and performance through digitisation.
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International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 13