Boulder City, Nevada-Amerityre Corp. is setting up a transition plan for the replacement of Richard Steinke, its current chairman and chief executive officer, when he retires on 1 Oct 2007.
Steinke founded the US developer of polyurethane tyres and technology in 1995 and has led the development of its innovative technologies.
"I feel it is extremely important that I oversee completion of several key ongoing projects at the company while allowing adequate time to make an orderly transition," commented Steinke.
Kenneth Johnsen, a former Amerityre's board member, and recently president, has been re-appointed to the board, and allotted the role of leading the search for a new CEO. Johnsen has resigned as president, but will continue to consult for the company and work with Steinke on Amerityre's business strategies and ongoing projects.
Amerityre also announced its successful completion of parts of the pending FMVSS 139 safety standard testing on its Arcus runflat tyre design, as well as further succesful development of its material for use in glass encapsulation.
Runflat tyre tests completed include bead unseating, tyre strength and the strenuous high-speed component, said Amerityre.
The company is now working on endurance testing. "Passing FMVSS testing on the run-flat passenger car tire design is a high priority for our company and serves as the foundation for completing our development of the run-flat trailer tyre," commented Steinke.
Steinek also reported that in China, Qingdao Qizhou Rubber Co., which has a licence to use Amerityre's PU technology in retreading, has begun construction of a facility for retreading off-the-road (OTR) tyres. This plant should be complete by the end of the year, Steinke said.
"Dr Gary Benninger, our chief operating officer, is currently in China inspecting Qingdao's progress and gaining insight for future retreading facilities that could potentially be built elsewhere," he added.
The Qizhou facility will produce large OTR retreads for conducting trials with Amerityre customers, such as Phelps-Dodge. If similar plants follow, Amerityre will not need to build its own plant in North America, Steinke pointed out. "
