Camso, a Michelin Group company, has opened a new 140,000-square-foot manufacturing facility based in Junction City, Kan. The facility will manufacture agricultural tracks.

The two companies’ off-the-road (OTR) operations will be combined to form a new division to be managed from Quebec. The strategic partnership makes the newly created entity the world leader in OTR mobility.

Receiving one of SIMA’s Gold Medals for innovation, Michelin launched its EvoBib 2-in-1 tire, which adjusts pressure for road and field conditions with a unique tread pattern. At psi of 17 or less in the field, tread contact increases to reduce soil compaction, while increasing traction. At higher tire pressures of 29 psi or more, only the central band of the tire contacts the road, reducing vibration. “It’s a totally new concept which can save more than 500 gallons of fuel per year and increase field traction by 30%, which can save 20 horsepower,” says Emanuel Ladent, president of Michelin's agricultural division, who added that the tire is expected to be launched commercially by the end of 2017.