Backed by its Japanese parent company, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Dunlop Tyres South Africa completed a R1.7 billion investment at its uMnambithi – formerly Ladysmith – manufacturing facility.
The investment introduced world-class manufacturing technology and expanded the plant’s production capabilities to meet growing demand from local vehicle manufacturers.
The upgrades will see the plant produce tyres for leading manufacturers, including for vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser.
President and CEO of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Yasuaki Kuniyasu, said the investment reflects a long-term commitment to South Africa and its industrial future.
“Dunlop is a brand that is built on a long history and deep trust, and it represents our mission to deliver safe, high-quality tyres to customers around the globe,” he said.
“Within our global strategy, our business in South Africa holds a very important place. Here, the automotive industry is one of the key industries that supports the nation’s economy and employment.”
Kuniyasu added that Sumitomo’s role in the industry means a great deal, as it is rooted in the region and takes great pride in supplying tyres to local carmakers.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, welcomed Sumitomo’s continued investment in South Africa, adding that the plant does not stand alone.
“It sits at the centre of South Africa’s automotive value chain, supplying original equipment partners that include Toyota, Isuzu, Ford, Volkswagen and Nissan,” he said.
“A R1.7 billion investment in local manufacturing is sustained by a fair and level playing field, and government understands that building that playing field is our collective responsibility.”
The minister added that the South African government is ready to support the industry through strengthened policies on two fronts.
“First, the South African Automotive Masterplan, which has underpinned this sector’s growth, is being reviewed alongside its key support instruments to test their performance against our 2035 targets for jobs, localisation and growth, and to prepare our policy framework for the global shift to New Energy Vehicles.”
“Second, and most fundamentally, we will keep choosing to invest in facilities like this one, because the answer to import pressure is not retreat. It is competitiveness – the kind this plant is demonstrating today.”
Building a leading tyre manufacturing hub
Dunlop’s investment includes a new compound mixer, tread line, sidewall line and advanced curing technology, which brought the facility in line with the latest global manufacturing standards.
According to the tyre manufacturer, the new mixer enhances compound quality and manufacturing consistency, and the upgraded sidewall line improves production quality for SUV and light truck tyres for local and export markets.
The new-generation curing technology provides better temperature control, which is a crucial factor in ensuring tyre performance, durability and quality.
All of the upgrades position the facility as one of the most technologically advanced tyre manufacturing operations on the continent.
The investment will support Dunlop in manufacturing very low-rolling-resistance tyres, which are becoming increasingly important in improving both vehicle efficiency and reducing emissions.
Additionally, the new mixer technology contributes to improved manufacturing sustainability, while delivering better performance and lower energy consumption.
Lubin Ozoux, CEO of Dunlop Tyres South Africa, added that the investment marks an important milestone in the company’s sustainability and innovation journey.
“This investment is about far more than infrastructure and technology. It positions our uMnambithi operation at the forefront of tyre manufacturing innovation in Africa while enabling us to produce the next generation of tyres required by vehicle manufacturers and consumers,” he said.
“The new technologies improve quality, efficiency and performance while supporting the production of very low rolling resistance tyres that will help vehicle manufacturers meet future emissions and efficiency requirements.”
Dunlop’s manufacturing plant upgrades
Loading ...
