Dunlop completes R1.7bn upgrade of Ladysmith tyre plant

Dunlop Tyres South Africa has recently completed a R1.7 billion upgrade of its manufacturing facility in Ladysmith, enhancing the plant's production capacity and capabilities. The upgrades, overseen by Dunlop's parent company Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), involve the installation of new equipment such as a compound mixer, tread and sidewall production lines, and advanced curing technology.

These enhancements aim to improve production quality and consistency, as well as enable the manufacture of tyres with lower rolling resistance. The upgraded plant will continue to serve vehicle manufacturers in South Africa, including Toyota, Isuzu, Ford, Volkswagen, and Nissan. SRI President and CEO Yasuaki Kuniyasu emphasized South Africa's importance to the company's global strategy, highlighting the automotive industry's significant contribution to the nation's economy and employment.

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau expressed confidence in the plant's role within South Africa's automotive value chain, noting the government's commitment to supporting local manufacturing. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development Rev Musa Zondi acknowledged the significance of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth and local manufacturing.

Dunlop CEO Lubin Ozoux stressed the impact of the investment beyond the factory, noting that it positions the uMnambithi operation as a leader in tyre manufacturing innovation in Africa and enables the production of the next generation of tyres for vehicle manufacturers and consumers.