Manufacturer of the popular Dunlop tyre brand, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA), has celebrated the official commencement of production at its state-of-the-art truck and bus radial (TBR) tyre manufacturing plant in Ladysmith.
“The total size range will be completed by September 2019; however, our customers will not have to wait until this period to experience our top of the range TBR product with sales of TBR tyres set to commence in Q4 this year”, said Haffejee.
“The factory aims to eventually have the capability to manufacture enough tyres per day to meet TBR customer demand of Dunlop and Sumitomo branded tyres for both Replacement and Original Equipment market across the whole Africa.” The factory currently employs 1 060 individuals, with over 80% of the workforce hailing from Ladysmith and surrounding areas. Employment has been created for 193 additional employees since the start-up including 118 in-service trainees, learnerships, graduates and apprenticeships, through which skills are being developed.