Giti Tire has created two new Technical Centres in Europe and North America, with Mr Stefan Fischer appointed as R&D Director of the German-based operation.
The move marks a significant development in the research and development capabilities of the company, with both sites working in collaboration with existing facilities in China, Indonesia and the UK, the latter of which is based at the renowned MIRA facility. The company now employs over 600 R&D personnel.
Based in Hannover, Germany, the new site will employ tyre designers, compounders, chemists and physicists. It will work across the entire portfolio of brands of the company which encompass passenger car, 4x4, van, light truck, heavy truck and bus tyres.
The operation will be led by Mr Fischer, who has over 18 years experience in the R&D divisions of two major tyre companies. His career commenced with tyre development work in the segments of passenger car and van tyres before assuming the responsibility for OE tyre development for a German premium car maker. In his last role he managed the European Technical Centre for one of the world's top ten tyre manufacturers.
He will have matrix reporting to both Mr Wai Yeen Phang, Executive Director, R&D for Giti Tire and Mr Richard Lyons, Managing Director - Europe, Giti Tire. Mr Fischer will sit on both the European and the Global R&D Leadership Teams.
According to Mr Fischer: "The new facility will have a strong focus on customer requirements, especially OE, where no target is unachievable. I am totally exalted by the vision to enhance Giti Tire's position in Europe, and contributing my experience and passion in introducing high performing products quickly and efficiently."
"This is not just a marker for our commitment to Europe, but to improving our products and credentials worldwide," added Mr Lyons. "The two sites mark a significant investment, but as we strive to position all our brands as best-in-class in their various mid-tier positions, it is essential we continue to drive for excellence."
Giti Tire's North American Technical Centre will be based in Akron, Ohio under the leadership of new R&D Director, Mr Hamid Aboutorabi, a 23 year veteran in the tyre industry.
With a PhD in mechanical engineering, Mr Aboutorabi has overseen the development and application of advanced modelling techniques in tyre design across both OE and replacement markets, and has had several research papers published through the Tire Society, Inc.
"With the new Technical Centres we have created one global R&D team which brings in the very best people and technologies across the US, Europe, China and Indonesia, and in doing so we are becoming a strong technology driven partner of the automotive industry," said Mr Phang.
"The appointments of Stefan and Hamid clearly highlight the excellent worldwide reputation of the company and also its ambitions moving forward," added Mr Herve Richert, Executive Director, Sales and Marketing (International), Giti Tire. "They are welcome additions to what is an already exceptional worldwide R&D team."
