Michelin acquires tire pressure control companies

Clermont-Ferrand, France – Groupe Michelin has acquired two European tire pressure control systems suppliers as part of its bid to become a "total solutions provider" in the agriculture segment and improve its central tire inflation systems (CTIS).

The French tire maker announced 13 Nov that it had acquired German PTG Tire Inflation Systems and France-based Téléflow SAS, both specialised in tire pressure control systems which allow users to monitor and adapt tire pressures according to the terrain and conditions of use.

The move, explained the company, is part of  Michelin Agriculture strategy to transit from "simply manufacturing agricultural tires to being a total solutions provider for all aspects around and beyond the tire’s interaction with the ground."

Neuss, Germany-based PTG was founded in 1991 by Martin Tigges and supplies tire inflation systems for vehicles and trailers, with expertise in the agriculture industry.

Among its products is the RDS system which brings fully automated pressure adjustment to vehicles whilst on the move.

Heaquartered in Roanne, France, Téléflow was established in 1993 by Stéphane Fazekas and employs 39 people. The company designs, manufactures and sells tire pressure control systems.

Téléflow’s products allow pressures to be adapted according to the terrain by the use of special patented valves.

Téléflow, claimed Michelin, is “the biggest supplier of tire pressure control systems to the military sector and has a close collaboration with many OE manufacturers.”

Michelin launched its ‘game-changing’ EvoBib tire with ADT (adaptive design technology) last November, as part of its move towards becoming a solutions provider.

“Our ambition is to continue innovating to provide increasingly complete solutions, guaranteed by Michelin, that help farmers optimise the performance of their machines while protecting their soil,” said Emmanuel Ladent, president of Michelin Agriculture.