The paper describes the initial stages and immediate aims of an engineering project to control a tyre tread production line. The line is part of the Avon Tyres pic plant at Melksham, Wiltshire. The paper specifically describes the modelling, automatic control, hardware and software developments that are (and will be) used as a basis for the continuation of the project. Ultimately, the technology developed and expertise gained on the project will be extended to the control of other plants within the Avon group.