IN a highly competitive and “always on” trucking industry, stakeholders are under pressure to meet challenging delivery targets, navigate traffic and challenging road conditions while ensuring the road safety of vehicles at all times.
Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA), manufacturer of the Dunlop, Sumitomo and Falken Tyre brands, says it is attempting to tackle these challenges with durable and technologically advanced truck and bus radial tyres.
CEO, Riaz Haffejee said the company’s purpose-built 180 000m² Truck Bus and Radial (TBR) factory in Ladysmith was the second phase of an investment of R970 million, which has enabled SRSA to meet the needs of the truck and bus tyre markets in both South Africa and on the African continent – bringing the total investment into the Ladysmith facility since 2014 to more than R2.1 billion.
“Following extensive market research into the needs of the truck and bus industry, this investment showcases the commitment SRSA has to the TBR business.”
He said the locally produced TBR range brings innovation, durability and high performance to the market, with products specifically designed to meet the challenges of African road conditions.
“Developed by SRI, the Dunlop Energy Control Technologies (DECTES) bring next generation performance to the market. The combination of design innovation and compounding technologies that DECTES takes to the road has shown results such as an up to 30% reduction in tyre rolling resistance, reduced frequency of tyre maintenance and rotation and enhanced re-treadability.
“These enhancements deliver significant CPK savings and result in improved fuel consumption, enhanced abrasion resistance and improved contact patch resulting in a slow, even wear rate and prolonged tyre life, offering truck and bus fleet owners a significant impact to their bottom line.”
SRSA has an In-field Technical Services (ITS) team based in all regions, and into Africa, to advise customers on tyre-application and performance and analyse monitoring and scrap analysis data.
“Our infield technical services division becomes an extension of our customers’ businesses, offering a value-added service and assisting with growth and staff development, ensuring on the road safety,” said Haffejee. He said the local production of the TBR range will ensure that customers, both in South Africa and on the African continent, have the right tyre for the country specific application.
“Our robust manufacturing processes have led to a range that has exceeded expectations. These tyres are designed using advanced Japanese technology, tested in Africa and manufactured in South Africa. The local TBR products are tested to meet global standards, ensuring that customers, both in South Africa and on the African continent, have the right tyre for the country’s specific application in quality, standard and safety.”
