The tire industry in Guangrao county – located in Dongying city in East China's Shandong province – is thriving these days and after 40 years of development. It's formed a complete industry supply chain with 176 million radial tires produced there annually.
The equipment has been updated with the increase in tire production. At the premises of manufacturer Shandong Yongsheng Rubber Group Co Ltd, the production equipment has been upgraded. The output, once entirely man-made has moved into high tech, using the industrial internet.
"In the past, the tire workshop was scorching hot like a steamer all year round, filled with pungent vulcanization fumes and constant noise," said Hao Yufeng, director of intelligent factory equipment.
Today's workshop is bright, clean and climate-controlled all year round. With intelligent and digital upgrades, production efficiency has increased by 30 percent, labor costs cut by 60 percent and energy savings have reached the equivalent of 3,000 metirc tons of standard coal annually. This enables annual output of 5 million high-performance, eco-friendly semi-steel radial tires.
To date, Guangrao county's rubber and tire industry has completed construction of 72 intelligent and digital upgrade projects – establishing 13 smart factories, digital workshops and exemplary intelligent manufacturing sites at the municipal level or above.
As China's "tire capital", Guangrao county hosts the China Guangrao International Rubber Tire & Auto Accessory Exhibition every May.
Now in its 14th consecutive year, the exhibition has grown into a globally recognized expo and become an important platform for technological exchanges and trade cooperation in the international rubber and tire industry.
Overall, Guangrao's rubber tire industry has risen from being a follower to an international industry leader – driven by innovation, quality and productivity – reaching new heights on the global stage.
A visitor checks things out at the China Guangrao International Rubber Tire & Auto Accessory Exhibition. [Photo/IC photo]
