Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) says that the group’s South African factory in Ladysmith has started producing tyres for trucks and buses, with an aimed capacity by 2020 of 750 tyres/day. With the aim of ensuring a stable supply of truck and bus tyres for markets throughout Africa, SRI invested a total of 8.1 Billion Yen to install new, cutting-edge production facilities at its South African factory.
Until now, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Limited (SRSA), set up in 1973, relied on imports to supply African markets with truck and bus tyres, supplying 12,500 tyres/day. Now, with the start of local production of truck and bus tyres, it says it has gained the ability to ensure a stable supply for Africa. Moving forward, it says the group will continue working to enhance its sales business in Africa as part of efforts to further grow and develop our overall global business.