Capital Equipment News March 2023

an earlier expansion phase of the facility. In 2018, SRSA officially opened a new, 180,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) facility at the facility, facilitating local manufacturing of previously imported truck and bus tires. This required an investment of more than R2.1 billion and marks the second phase of SRSA’s multi-billion rand investment to upgrade and modernise the Dunlop plant’s capacity. SRSA also previously upgraded the plant’s production capacity for passenger car, off-road vehicle (SUV) and light truck tires. “These investments allow us to increase production and meet the needs of the tyre market in the region, especially during the second half of our plant’s five decades of operation,” says Ozoux. As the manufacturer of brands like Dunlop, Sumitomo and Falken, SRSA is committed to delivering the latest and greatest breakthrough tyre innovations. Rigorous manufacturing processes ensure that Dunlop not only meets but exceeds global standards. SRSA builds on the technical design expertise of its Japanese parent company, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, through continuous

research and development, which is incorporated into product designs to enhance the performance, safety, and durability of Dunlop tyres. In 2013, SRI, a Kobe, Japan-based market-leading Japanese listed global manufacturer of premium automotive tyres and industrial rubber, acquired the rights to use the Dunlop brand throughout the African continent. “As a resident tyre manufacturer associated with a global multinational organisation and a proud member of the South African Tyre Manufacturers Congress (SATMC), we look forward to an exciting future in South Africa and a renewed commitment to our customers of world-class products. The planned investment in the Dunlop Ladysmith manufacturing facility will not only increase capacity but will also create more jobs and have a positive impact on the local community. We believe the future is bright and we are proud to continue as a worthy, and trusted brand for quality, reliability and safety on the road,” says Ozoux. Keeping it local As a member of SATMC, SRSA forms part

We are collaborating with the Tyre Importers Association of South Africa (TIASA) and the Tyre Equipment Parts Association (TEPA) as well as the government to ensure steps are taken to drive improvements and sustainability in the collection and processing of tyre waste.

of a group that sells locally produced tyres. SATMC estimates that 70% of tyres sold in South Africa are not only made locally but also have the branding of one of the four members. Ozoux was recently appointed as the chairperson for SATMC and in this role he is undertaking ways forward to address waste tyres in a responsible manner. According to him, all members are committed to finalising the industry waste management plan for tyres in 2023. This will provide a clear roadmap to reduce carbon emissions in the sector. “We are collaborating with the Tyre Importers Association of South Africa (TIASA) and the Tyre Equipment Parts Association (TEPA) as well as the government to ensure steps are taken to drive improvements and sustainability in the collection and processing of tyre waste,” mentions Ozoux. To make this a reality they are working with tyre dealers to encourage the correct storage of waste tyres while exploring the commercial prospects of waste tyres. A goal is to develop a circular economy with a focus on job creation. The industry has been advocating for the processing of end-of-life tyres, and to get these tyres off the road and not available for reselling. b

QUICK TAKE

New investments include machinery and systems to ensure the facility can meet OEM requirements locally and increase efficiency

It marks the second phase of SRSA’s multi-billion rand investment to upgrade and modernise the Dunlop plant’s capacity

SRSA opened a 180,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) facility in 2018

180,000-square foot

Ozoux was recently appointed as the chairperson for SATMC, which is also working on plans to localise tyre manufacturing and create a circular economy for tyres manufactured in South Africa

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS MARCH 2023 13