Tyre producer Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7-billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (formerly Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, in KwaZulu-Natal.

The investment introduced new manufacturing technology, expanded production capabilities and positions the plant as a strategic hub for automotive growth across Africa.

The three-year investment equips the facility with advanced manufacturing technologies that strengthen Dunlop’s ability to meet growing demand from vehicle manufacturers, accelerate exports into African markets and support the industry's transition to more sustainable mobility solutions.

The investment includes a new compound mixer, tread line, sidewall line and advanced curing technology, which brings the facility in line with the latest global manufacturing standards.

The new mixer enhances compound quality and manufacturing consistency, while the upgraded sidewall line improves production quality for sports-utility vehicle (SUV) and light truck tyres destined for the local and export markets.

Further, new-generation curing technology provides enhanced temperature control, a critical factor in tyre performance, durability and quality.

These upgrades position the uMnambithi facility among the most technologically advanced tyre manufacturing operations on the African continent, says Dunlop.

A key feature of the investment is its ability to support the manufacture of very low rolling resistance tyres, which play an increasingly important role in improving vehicle efficiency and reducing emissions.

Additionally, the new mixer technology contributes to improved manufacturing sustainability while delivering superior compound performance with more efficient energy consumption.

The investment marks an important milestone in the company's sustainability and innovation journey, says Dunlop Tyres South Africa CEO Lubin Ozoux.

“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.

“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,” he says.

Meanwhile, as one of the largest employers in uMnambithi, Dunlop continues to play a significant role in the local economy through direct employment, supplier development and the creation of opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.

“Dunlop plays a vital role in the uMnambithi economy, and 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,” Ozoux says.

The investment, made by Dunlop's parent company tyre and rubber multinational Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), comes as demand grows across the continent for high-quality passenger, SUV and light truck tyres.

The 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, while strengthening South Africa's role in regional automotive manufacturing supply chains.

The investment reflects a long-term commitment to South Africa and its industrial future, says SRI president and CEO Yasuaki Kuniyasu.

“Dunlop is a brand that is built on a long history and deep trust, and represents our mission to deliver safe, high-quality tyres to customers around the globe. The automotive industry in South Africa is a key industry that supports the nation's economy and employment.

“As a tyre maker rooted in this region, supplying high-quality tyres reliably to our original-equipment manufacturer customers is both our responsibility and our great pride,” he says.

The investment also demonstrates continued confidence in South Africa as an investment destination and reinforces the enduring relationship between Japan and South Africa, he adds.

This 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 its responsibility, says Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau.

Government will support the industry by strengthening policy.

“The South African Automotive Masterplan, which has underpinned this sector’s growth, is being reviewed alongside its key support instruments. The aim is 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.

“Additionally, we will keep supporting investments in facilities like this one, because the answer to import-pressure is not retreat; it is competitiveness of the kind this plant is demonstrating today,” he says.