Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA) will invest R1.7bn in its Ladysmith plant to expand product lines and create new job opportunities to mark its 50th anniversary of production.
This golden anniversary injection of capital would breathe new life into the KwaZulu Natal tyre manufacturing plant, the company said this week.
Chief executive officer, Lubin Ozoux, said: “As a resident tyre manufacturer linked to a global multinational organisation and a proud member of the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference, we look forward to an exciting future in South Africa. The investments in the Dunlop Ladysmith manufacturing plant will not only improve capacity but will also provide more job opportunities, creating a positive impact on the local community. We believe that the future is bright.”
The Dunlop Ladysmith production facility commenced production in October 1973.
The new investment drive follows previous expansion phases at the facility.
In 2018 SRSA launched its new 180 000 sqm R2.1-billion truck and bus radial line to manufacture truck and bus tyres that previously were imported.
Prior to this, SRSA modernised its passenger car, sports-utility vehicle and light truck tyre manufacturing capabilities.
