Automotive Business Review — February 2018

28 WORDS IN ACTION http://www.abrbuzz.co.za

G

oodyear’s state-of-the-art production

facility has been offi cially opened and

production capacity has been upped by

30 %

At an event officiated by Nelson Mandela Bay

Municipality mayor, Cllr Athol Trollip, Goodyear South

Africa offi cially unveiled its upgraded, state-of -the-

art Uitenhage manufacturing facility. Goodyear has

invested close to R1-billion 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%.

Speaking at the event, newly-appointed Goodyear

South Africa Group managing director, Darren Hayes-

Powell said: “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.”

Nomkhita Mona, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay

Business Chamber said: “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 a par with global

technological standards.”

The fi rst tyre to be produced out of this state-of-

the-art facility is the Wrangler All - Terrain Adventure

tyre that is built with an ultra-strong, Kevlar fi bre

overlay and reinforced by the company’s DurawallT

Technology, which improves resistance against

punctures and cuts in the sidewall area.

SUVs and 4x4s have become increasingly popular

and their production has been rising sharply in

Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) since 2012.

The Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure meets the

demands of SUV and 4x4 drivers wanting to enjoy

both off -road and on-road driving pleasure.

By increasing the plant’s capability, Goodyear

South Africa is making a signifi cant 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.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ

Goodyear Ups

Production

Goodyear SA gets a grip on high-tech production

ABR 01/2018