UK manufacturer Dunlop Aircraft Tyres (Dunlop) is soon to build an aircraft tyre factory in Karawang, Indonesia, for about US$70.9 million. Dunlop’s new plant, developed and constructed together with local tyre-making giant PT Rubberman Indonesia, is projected to be operational by 2022.
Dunlop CEO Gordon Roper said the corporation was interested in investing in Indonesia as it is supported by an abundance of rubber materials coupled with a growing aviation industry.
Indonesia’s aviation industry has so far enjoyed consistent growth – Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said the investment was a good indicator for Indonesia, despite the global economic downturn, and hopes it will attract tyre makers from Singapore and Malaysia as well. Investment into Indonesia’s tyre industry has the potential to develop the nation, he added.
The Dunlop corporation currently has factories in China to serve its customers in the Asia Pacific region while Rubberman has more than 25 factories located in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.