Marubeni Corp. buys share of Galileo Wheel

MEVASSERET TZION, Israel — Japan's Marubeni Corp. has acquired an undisclosed share of Galileo Wheel Ltd., an Israeli company that's developed a low-pressure tire that offers traction and soil-compaction benefits in off-road applications along with run-flat capability.

Galileo's CupWheel is a hybrid tire design that Galileo claims offers greater ground contact compared with standard tires, leading to better traction and reduced soil compaction. The technology behind the product combines the advantages of radial off-road tires and rubber tracks while still employing a standard rim.

Galileo has developed a version of the Cup Wheel that's being used commercially for center-pivot irrigation machinery and has plans to sell tires for skid-steer loaders and small construction machinery.

Galileo has described the CupWheel design as having an "accordion-shape" folding sidewall that allows the outer circumference to change its shape freely and move about the wheel center in all directions. If air pressure drops, the sidewall folds, not collapsing as in a standard tire, therefore generating far less heat.

The companies did not disclose the terms or scale of Marubeni's acquisition other than to say it is "significant."

In explaining its investment in Galileo Wheel, Marubeni said it will use its global sales and marketing network and become the distributor of Cup Wheel tires in multiple geographic markets. Marubeni said the investment reflects a core value of using its strengths in order to help society to overcome challenges through original innovations.

Galileo claims CupWheel technology lowers costs, increases yield and the ease of use of agricultural, construction and industrial equipment. The tread life is extended by the new design and inner sidewall construction.

The CupWheel tire's self-cleaning feature optimizes grip and productivity. It can also be driven at zero bar air pressure (integrated run-flat capability).

"We see the immense strategic potential of this move. The partnership has already led to progression through Marubeni's vast commercial network," according to Galileo Wheel Managing Director Alon Hayka, who called Marubeni one of the leading trade-houses in Japan.

"We appreciate Marubeni's support that derives from the understanding of scale of which our technology is a pioneer in the industry."

Galileo Wheel was founded in 2010 by Avishay Novoplanski and Hayka. Novoplanksi, a design engineering graduate from Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem, is considered the concept's inventor/designer, while Hayka brought sales, marketing and economic resources to the venture.

Galileo Wheel initially worked with Czech tire maker Mitas A.S. to develop and commercialize the system. That partnership was absorbed by Trelleborg Wheel Systems S.p.A. in 2016 when it acquired Mitas.

Trelleborg/Mitas developed a version of the CupWheel called "PneuTrac" that debuted in 2017 at the Agritechnica 2017 trade show in Hannover, Germany.

The product is still offered by Trelleborg, which is being acquired by Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.

Marubeni describes itself as an import/export business active in a wide range of sectors, but which also invests in businesses that support its trading activities.