European Farmers and Content Creators Wowed by Yokohama-ATG’s Vizag Tire Factory (India): High-Tech, Sustainable, and Gender-Equal

European Farmers and Content Creators Wowed by Yokohama-ATG’s Vizag Tire Factory (India): High-Tech, Sustainable, and Gender-Equal

Yokohama-ATG recently welcomed European members of the press and leading agricultural content creators to its cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Vizag, India. This exclusive visit marked the first time Y-ATG opened the doors of its youngest factory to European Brand Ambassadors, providing a unique opportunity to experience the company’s state-of-the-art operations and deep commitment to sustainability as well as diversity.

The event brought together prominent farmers who also create content from across Europe, including Olly Harrison (UK, @agricontract_ollyblogs), Stefan Vogelsang (Germany, hof_vogelsang), Giulia Tonello (Italy, @giulia.tonello), Thierry Bailliet (France, @thierry.agriculteurdaujourdhui), and Miriam Delgado Barrios (Spain, @jovenes_agricultoras). The visiting group explored the Vizag facility, participated in tree-planting ceremonies, and engaged with local farmers to learn about sustainable farming practices unique to the region. 

Sustainability at the Core of Y-ATG

Y-ATG’s Vizag factory reflects the company’s unwavering focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, and community empowerment. Several key initiatives were highlighted during the visit: 

• Tree-Planting Initiative: As part of Y-ATG’s “Forever Forest” program, every employee and visitor to the factory plants a tree, contributing to the creation of a forest surrounding the facility. To date, over 250,000 trees have been planted globally across Y-ATG’s operations, absorbing approximately 8,000 tons of CO2 annually. Each tree offsets 40 kilograms of CO2 emissions per year, leaving a lasting environmental impact. By 2030, Y-ATG will have planted a cumulative 1.3 million trees and reduced its CO2 emissions by 30% as compared to 2013.

• Empowering Diversity: The Vizag factory employs a workforce that is 40% women, with an ambitious goal to reach 50% by the end of 2025. This reflects Y-ATG’s commitment to inclusivity and women empowerment.

• Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: Y-ATG has achieved significant milestones in reducing its environmental impact, including a 32% reduction in coal consumption, the use of reclaimed rubber, bio-based oils, and silica derived from rice husk ash. The company is on track to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and 100% sustainable raw materials by the same year.

Innovation at the Vizag Facility

The Vizag plant is a beacon of modern manufacturing, boasting state-of-the-art automation and efficiency. Robotic tire-building machines, automated painting systems, and advanced conveyor systems streamline production, reduce waste, and ensure world-class safety standards. The facility’s cutting-edge infrastructure is a testament to Y-ATG’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. 

UK-based farmer and contractor Olly Harrison was quite impressed by his visit: “I was surprised at the scale and size of the factory; it wouldn’t have looked out of place in an industrial country such as Germany. The sheer size along with the passion of the workforce was what stood out most to me,” he said.

This factory also represents a significant milestone in Y-ATG’s history. In 2025, the company celebrates 70 years of the Alliance tire brand, a legacy built on understanding the evolving needs of farmers worldwide. Additionally, Y-ATG recently achieved the remarkable milestone of having produced and sold 1 million Agri Star II tires. This flagship product, known for its Stratified Layer Technology (SLT), ensures consistent traction and performance throughout the tire’s lifespan, making it a favorite among farmers globally. 

Insights from European Farmers: Tire Technology and Farming Practices

During their visit, European farmers connected with their Indian counterparts to understand their unique agricultural practices. 

The awareness of the importance of tire technology and pressure for long-term soil health is on the rise here as much as it is in Europe, as Thierry Bailliet from France points out: “Indian farmers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of tire selection and soil pressure management, similar to what we see in Europe.”

Indian farmers, who often work on smaller plots of land with lightweight, open-station tractors, achieve yields comparable to European standards—especially in wheat—despite using no fertilizer or spraying. They also harvest twice a year as opposed to once in most parts of Europe. 

Giulia Tonello (Italy), who comes from a region with similarly structured farmland, believes there is something to be learned by European farmers from Indian practices: “While their tractors are smaller, their focus on protecting soil integrity is something we can learn from in Europe, especially as our equipment tends to be much larger.”

Miriam Delgado Barrios (Spain) agrees: “Indian farmers’ use of lighter tractors with standard tires at optimal pressures highlights the importance of balancing weight and pressure for efficient farming. This is a principle that can be applied to farming practices in Europe as well.”

10-20% More Wheat Yield Just Because of Air

As Y-ATG continues to expand its global footprint, its dedication to sustainability, innovation, and empowering farmers remains at the heart of its mission. The Vizag factory, with its focus on automation, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship, stands as a symbol of Y-ATG’s vision for the future of agriculture.

Their technology is crucial in enabling farmers to operate modern, heavy farm machinery in a soil-friendly way. Y-ATG also works on raising awareness of the importance of choosing the right tires and tire pressure. Stefan Vogelsang(Germany) says simply paying attention to and adjusting tire pressure will increase his wheat yields by 10-20% in wet years. “It enables earlier field access, better nutrient supply, and less field damage,” he reasons. He also takes some inspiration from the visit: “Seeing Indian farmers use lightweight tractors with modern large-volume tires inspired me to explore even lighter machinery and larger contact areas to further protect the soil.”Click here for an impression

About Yokohama-ATG

Yokohama-ATG (Y-ATG) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of commercial tires for a diverse range of applications which include agriculture, forestry, construction, industrial, earthmoving, mining, and port operations. 

With an extensive portfolio of well established brands such as Alliance, Galaxy and Primex, Y-ATG provides customers the highest quality tires, the lowest cost of ownership and the utmost convenience. 

The diverse range of offerings from Y- ATG comprises over 3500 SKUs, ensuring that customers can find the ideal tires to meet their unique requirements for both aftermarket replacements and OEM solutions. With a robust distribution network, Y-ATG ensures timely distribution and service support in more than 120 countries globally.