Dunlop Tyres’s South African subsidiary recently completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility and expanding production capabilities.
Backed by parent company Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) of Japan, the three-year investment equips the facility with advanced manufacturing technologies that strengthen Dunlop’s ability to meet growing demand from vehicle manufacturers, accelerate exports into African markets and support the industry’s transition to more sustainable mobility solutions.
The investment comes as demand grows across the continent for high-quality passenger, SUV and light truck tyres.
The uMnambithi facility will support the production of tyres for leading vehicle manufacturers, including applications for vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, while strengthening South Africa’s role in regional automotive manufacturing supply chains.
The company invested in a new compound mixer, tread line, sidewall line and advanced curing technology, bringing the facility in line with the latest global manufacturing standards.
The new mixer enhances compound quality and manufacturing consistency, while the upgraded sidewall line improves production quality for SUV and light truck tyres destined for local and export markets. New-generation curing technology provides enhanced temperature control, a critical factor in tyre performance, durability and quality.
These upgrades position the uMnambithi facility among the most technologically advanced tyre manufacturing operations on the African continent.
KZN MEC for Economic Development, Rev Musa Zondi, said: “This is the type of investment that demonstrates the value of strong public-private partnerships in driving economic growth, strengthening local manufacturing and supporting jobs and livelihoods, and positions our province as a competitive destination for investment.”
A key feature of the investment is its ability to support the manufacture of very low rolling resistance tyres, which play an increasingly important role in improving vehicle efficiency and reducing emissions.
In addition, the new mixer technology contributes to improved manufacturing sustainability while delivering superior compound performance with more efficient energy consumption.
With a branded presence in 23 African countries, Dunlop extends beyond the objectives of the South African Automotive Masterplan to strengthen localisation, and continues to build its footprint across the continent, supplying passenger, SUV and commercial vehicle tyres to markets including Nigeria, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia and Zimbabwe.