TAMAULIPAS, Mexico: Industrias Negromex S.A. has added a mixer at its plant in Tamaulipas to handle a growing demand for synthetic rubber compounds.

BOSTON - Cabot Corporation will close its carbon black production facility in Waverly, West Virginia, in March 2008 because of changes in the tire manufacturing industry.

BUFFALO, New York - The University of Buffalo´s Center for Integrated Waste Management has won a USD 1.8 million grant from a New York State economic development agency.

VIDALIA, Louisiana - A tire recycling plant set to begin construction in Vidalia by the end of June will employ 60 to 65 workers when completed in six to eight months, according to Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland.

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida: Goodyear said it will start shipping its new Eagle F1 All Season ultra-high-performance tire to retail outlets in June.

RICHMOND, Virginia - Gates Corp. said it will open a plant this fall in southwest Virginia to manufacture hydraulic-related products, creating 172 jobs.

NEW YORK - Everlast Worldwide Inc. has signed a global licensing agreement with Michelin North America Inc. to create a line of specialized footwear for professional boxing.

CLEVELAND - A federal court has granted the defendants a stay in a USD20 million patent infringement suit brought by Flexsys America L.P. Sinorgchem Co. Shandong, Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. and Kumho Tire Co. Inc. won’t have to face further action in the case until the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit hears their appeal of an International Trade Commission ruling that Sinorgchem made and sold Flexsys’ patented antidegradants without Flexsys’ permission.

NOVI, Michigan - Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. plans to purchase selected sealing systems operations from Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems, including eight European manufacturing facilities and joint venture interests in China and India.

AKRON: Goodyear has introduced the Dunlop SP Sport Signature, an all-season touring performance tire.