Dunlop completes R1.7 billion investment at uMnambithi

The three-year investment, backed by parent company Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) of Japan, equips the facility with manufacturing technologies intended to meet growing demand from vehicle manufacturers, support exports into African markets and contribute to the industry's transition to more sustainable mobility solutions.

The investment comes as demand grows across the continent for passenger, SUV and light truck tyres. Enhanced manufacturing capabilities at the uMnambithi facility will support the production of tyres for vehicle manufacturers, including applications for vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, within regional automotive manufacturing supply chains.

Speaking at the event, Yasuaki Kuniyasu, President and CEO of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, says Dunlop is a brand that is built on a long history and deep trust, and it represents their mission to deliver safe, high-quality tyres to customers around the globe.

“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. To take part in that industry means a great deal to us. As a tyre maker rooted in this region, supplying high-quality tyres reliably to our OE customers is both our responsibility and our great pride," he says.

National Minister of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, thanked Sumitomo Rubber Industries for continuing to bet on this country. “This 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. 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."

Parks says the South African Automotive Masterplan, which has underpinned the sector's growth, is being reviewed alongside its key support instruments to test their performance against 2035 targets for jobs, localisation and growth, and to prepare policy for the shift to New Energy Vehicles.

The investment includes a new compound mixer, tread line, sidewall line and curing technology. The new mixer is intended to improve compound quality and manufacturing consistency, the upgraded sidewall line to improve production quality for SUV and light truck tyres, and the new curing technology to provide temperature control during production.

KZN MEC for Economic Development, Rev Musa Zondi, says that this is the type of investment demonstrates the value of strong public private partnerships in driving economic growth, strengthening local manufacturing and supporting jobs and livelihoods, and positions for the province as a competitive destination for investment.

The investment also supports the manufacture of low rolling resistance tyres. Lubin Ozoux, Chief Executive Officer of Dunlop Tyres South Africa, said: "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."

Lubin adds that Dunlop plays a vital role in the uMnambithi economy. “Our investment extends well beyond our factory walls. Through our support of local suppliers, contractors and service providers, the benefits of this investment ripple throughout the community, strengthening local businesses and contributing to long-term economic growth."

Dunlop has a branded presence in 23 African countries, supplying passenger, SUV and commercial vehicle tyres to markets including Nigeria, Kenya, Côte d'Ivoire, Zambia and Zimbabwe.