Michelin Group has acquired two manufacturers of tire pressure control systems with one goal in mind: to become the global leader for central tire inflation systems (CTIS) in the agricultural market. It also marks Michelin's entrance into the larger world of providing solutions to farmers beyond tires.
The tire maker has acquired PTG and Téléflow.
PTG was founded in 1991 by Martin Tigges and employs 12 people at its headquarters in Neuss, Germany, where they manufacture and sell tire inflation systems for vehicles and trailers. Experts in the agricultural world, PTG adapts its technology for each segment of 'agro-vehicles,' and is known for the Airbox/ mobil system for inflation, axle by axle on stationary vehicles. PTG also has developed the RDS system which brings fully automated pressure adjustment to vehicles while they're on the move.
PTG CEO Peter Tigges said, "I am delighted that PTG have found a partner in Michelin that shares our passion for innovation, technology and customer service”.
Téléflow is based in Roanne, France, and was established in 1993 by Stéphane Fazekas. The company employs 39 people who design, manufacture and sell tire pressure control systems that allow pressures to be adapted with special patented valves according to the terrain. Téléflow is the biggest supplier of tire pressure control systems to the military sector and has a close collaboration with many original equipment manufacturers. The company’s best known product allows users to select the terrain and load being transported and the system automatically adapts the tire pressures to the conditions on the move.
Téléflow CEO Guillaume Fazekas said: "Having developed pressure control systems for over 20 years, the possibility to work alongside Michelin to bring industry leading products and systems to market is an amazing opportunity”.
Michelin says the alliance with two European leaders in tire pressure control systems will help it provide customers with complete systems to optimize their machines’ interaction with the ground — both in the field and on the road.
Transforming from a tire manufacturer to a full solution provider, Michelin will meet farmers’ challenges to simplify tire pressure management.
Emmanuel Ladent, president of Michelin Agriculture, said, “Our ambition is to continue innovating to provide increasingly complete solutions, guaranteed by Michelin, that help farmers optimize the performance of their machines while protecting their soil.
"It also marks the dawn of a new approach for the Michelin Agricultural product line."
The first concrete example is Zen@Terra, which combines Michelin EvoBib tires with adaptive design technology, central tire inflation systems from PTG and Téléflow, and in-cab dashboard control systems, all backed by a Michelin warranty.
"This is a complete solution for farmers; it manages all aspects of tires and their interaction with the ground, both in the field and on the road, and ultimately it will help maximize yields, efficiency and economic performance for farmers”.
Zen@Terra is the result of three years of development by engineers. The system was developed in partnership with farmers, and collaboration with PTG and Téléflow.
During Agritechnica 2017 Michelin will select five farmers in Europe to become Zen@Terra testers. They will be fitted with the new solution, and will work with Michelin to share their experience. Michelin will introduce Zen@Terra to the market for HHP tractors in 2018.
