ZHONGCE Rubber Group oceania sales manager Benjamin Lou said since establishing ties with Fiji, Punjas was their first customer for Westlake tyres in the Pacific.
“Until now, they still remain our most important customer,” he said.
Mr Lou was in the country earlier this week with tyre engineer Wang Rui.
Punjas Tyre and Auto Centre manager Krishna Naidu said two officials from the Chinese company visited Fiji earlier this week.
“The sales of Westlake tyres have been very impressive and we are supplying to a lot of commercial companies including bus and truck operators and even to the Fiji Government.”
“They are very happy with our performance. We also have branches in different Pacific Island nations and we have been able to build our partnerships there.
“Punjas Tyre and Auto Centre imports, distributes and retails Westlake and other leading international tyre brands in all sizes including tyres for light passenger vehicles as well as trucks and buses, providing reliable advice on the safest and best tyre choice.
“Our services at Punjas Tyre Centre include free tyre changing and balancing, plus a drive-in-drive-out service. Used Japanese quality vehicles of reputable brands are also available for sale at the centre.”
Meanwhile, Punjas managing director Nitin Punja said they were happy and proud of the association with Zhongce Rubber Group and to represent Westlake, a global tyre brand.
“We are deeply appreciative of their support in helping us make Westlake one of the leading tyre brands in Fiji and the Pacific.
“They are internationally recognised for their superb quality and value for money.
“Combining the latest research, innovation and technology, Westlake tyres adhere to the worldwide market requirements and standards to ensure that every tyre made is nothing less than superior.”
Punjas Group marketing manager Gopal Jadhav said Westlake employed 30,000 people.
“Their engineers work closely with International R & D team comprising Japanese and Korean experts and the quality control system is approved by famous car manufacturers such as Volvo,” he said.
“They inspect each and every tyre by hand before it leaves the production line besides X-ray, balancing and uniformity inspection by equipment from Europe, Japan and USA.
“Westlake sales revenues rose to US$4.88 billion last year and by next year plans to be the largest car and truck tyre manufacturer in the world.”