As an example, Mr. Nilsson cited the soon-to-launch Variable Inflation Pressure technology, which Trelleborg has developed in partnership with tractor manufacturer AGCO Fendt. The autonomous wheel can self-adjust the pressure of a combine harvester's tires according to its load during operation and so optimise tire-footprint and reduce soil compaction.
CGS takeover
However, Mr. Nilsson's to-do list also includes more weighty matters, not least completing the integration of businesses bought during 2015-16 — a process that will involve a shift to focus on certain segments, particularly agricultural tires and anti-vibration systems for mass-transport.
The rationale behind the $1.25 billion CGS/Mitas acquisition last May, for instance, is to establish Trelleborg as "global leader within agricultural tires," Mr. Nilsson explained. This, will involve expanding the product range and reaching into new markets in addition to introducing process and product innovations.
Trelleborg aims to enhance its position in the market through a multi-brand strategy and exploiting synergies with Mitas, he said.
Prague-based CGS, which also includes the Rubena and Savatech engineered rubber products businesses, generated sales of about $622 million in 2015 with an operating margin of 16 percent.
Mitas accounts for nearly two-thirds of CGS group sales and has mid-market speciality tires brands with a particularly strong position within agricultural tires. Rubena and Savatech offer niche engineered polymer portfolios, including seals, molded products, printing blankets and other engineered fabrics.
With a combined presence in 40 countries worldwide, another objective for Trelleborg Wheel Systems is "footprint optimization."
"We will continue to develop our footprint in China and capitalize our new capacities in the Americas and central and eastern Europe," Mr. Nilsson said.
Geographically, the whole group's long-term ambition is to achieve a balance, where western Europe and the rest of the world each account for 40 percent of the group's net sales, while the remaining share goes to North America.
"Asia, and specifically China, will be important contributors to further balancing Trelleborg's geographical footprint," Mr. Nilsson said.