Eastern Cape tyre maker Goodyear South Africa unveiled its upgraded state-of-the-art machinery at its Uitenhage manufacturing plant on Thursday.
The company said it had invested close to R1bn in the Uitenhage facility to improve the plant's high technology consumer tyre production capacity. “By equipping the plant with the latest technologies and processes, local production capacity has been increased by 30%,” Goodyear South Africa said.
Newly-appointed Goodyear South Africa Group Managing Director, Darren Hayes-Powell said in a statement that "this investment will position Goodyear as a leader in meeting the growing demand from vehicle manufacturers and the replacement market for Low Rolling Resistance tyres that promote fuel economy in vehicles together with the latest technology SUV and 4X4 tyres.”
“This is an important investment by Goodyear and is consistent with our strategy to serve the needs of our customers and the company's focus to invest for the future," he said.
The unveiling was also attended by Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Athol Trollip and the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, Nomkhita Mona.
"In line with Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber's strategy towards becoming a competitive city, we see Goodyear South Africa's investment in technological advancement as a major step in the right direction. This state-of-the-art new plant puts Goodyear South Africa on par with global technological standards," Mona said.
Goodyear South Africa said y increasing the plant's capability, it is making a significant contribution towards manufacturing in this region. “The tyre market in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to experience double-digit growth through 2020 led by the consumer segment.”
