- R1.7 billion investment completed, bringing the latest global tyre manufacturing technology to Dunlop Tyres South Africa’s uMnambithi manufacturing facility.
- Expanded production capability for passenger, SUV and light truck tyres to support growing demand in South Africa and across African export markets.
- New-generation low rolling resistance tyre manufacturing capability to support future vehicle emissions, efficiency and sustainability requirements.
- Strengthens Dunlop’s position as a key Original Equipment (OE) supplier while reinforcing South Africa’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem and export competitiveness.
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing world-class manufacturing technology, expanding production capabilities and positioning the plant as a strategic hub for automotive growth across Africa.
Backed by parent company Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) of Japan, 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.
Investing in Africa’s future
The investment comes as demand grows across the continent for high-quality passenger, SUV and light truck tyres.
Enhanced manufacturing capabilities at the uMnambithi facility will support the production of tyres for leading vehicle manufacturers, including applications for vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, while strengthening South Africa’s role in regional automotive manufacturing supply chains.
Speaking at the event, Yasuaki Kuniyasu, President and CEO of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, said the investment reflects a long-term commitment to South Africa and its industrial future.
“Dunlop is a brand that is built on a long history and deep trust, and it represents our 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,” said Kuniyasu.
Kuniyasu added that the investment demonstrates continued confidence in South Africa as an investment destination and reinforces the enduring relationship between Japan and South Africa.
National Minister of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said: “Thank you to 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.”
Minister Tau added that government would support the industry with policy strengthening.
“In this regard, we are acting on two fronts. First, the South African Automotive Masterplan, which has underpinned this sector’s growth, is being reviewed alongside its key support instruments 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. Second, and most fundamentally, we will keep choosing to invest in facilities like this one, because the answer to import pressure is not retreat. It is competitiveness – the kind this plant is demonstrating today.”
Bringing global technology to uMnambithi
The investment includes a new compound mixer, tread line, sidewall line and advanced curing technology, bringing 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 SUV and light truck tyres destined for local and export markets. 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.
KZN MEC for Economic Development, Rev Musa Zondi said: “This is the type of investment that demonstrates the value of strong public private partnerships in driving economic growth, strengthening local manufacturing and supporting jobs and livelihoods, and positions our province as a competitive destination for investment.”
Supporting the transition to sustainable mobility
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.
In addition, the new mixer technology contributes to improved manufacturing sustainability while delivering superior compound performance with more efficient energy consumption.
Lubin Ozoux, Chief Executive Officer of Dunlop Tyres South Africa, said the investment marks an important milestone in the company’s sustainability and innovation journey.
“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,” said Ozoux.
“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.”
Driving local economic growth
As one of uMnambithi’s largest employers, 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,” said Ozoux.
“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.”
Building an African manufacturing hub
With a branded presence in 23 African countries, Dunlop extends beyond the objectives of the South African Automotive Masterplan to strengthen localisation, and continues to build its footprint across the continent, supplying passenger, SUV and commercial vehicle tyres to markets including Nigeria, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The completion of the investment positions the uMnambithi facility to play an increasingly important role in serving these markets while reinforcing South Africa’s status as a manufacturing gateway to Africa.
