Indian and Chinese Tyremakers to Target Mining Market at Tyrexpo

The influence of Chinese and Indian tyre manufacturers on the southern African market for OTR, mining and quarrying tyres is set to grow substantially, according to the organisers of the Tyrexpo Africa’08 exhibition. Major suppliers including Apollo International and Balkrishna from India and Shanghai Yadong, Shifeng Double Star and Techking Tires from China have already confirmed their presence as exhibitors at the next show in March 2008. ECI International, the company that organises the exhibition, believes this signals an aggressive drive to achieve greater market shares in the lucrative mining sector.

Rowena Suthers, ECI’s sales director, says: “Indian and Chinese tyre makers have become successful exporters around the globe and it’s clear from the response we are seeing that sub-Saharan markets are now firmly in their sights. That should be great news for tyre buyers and plant managers, offering wider choice at very competitive terms.”

Tyres from India and China are already sold in South Africa and companies such as CFP Tyres (Pty) Ltd, the importer of the well known Chinese Triangle brand – an OE supplier to Caterpillar and Bell Equipment – as well as the Primex and Galaxy brands from global company GPX International Tire Corporation, will be exhibiting at Tyrexpo Africa’08.

Another high profile domestic exhibitor will be Bandag SA. Marketing director Laurent Colrat explained the company’s decision to return to the show next year: “The first Tyrexpo Africa proved that there is a need and a place for a dedicated tyre and equipment show serving the southern African market. Bandag is already looking forward to next year’s exhibition and will be taking a prominent stand to reinforce its market position. It’s too early to be specific, but we will definitely be using the show as a platform to introduce some new and exciting developments,” he said.

Even companies not even currently offering OTR products will be using the show to assess market opportunities. JK Tyres & Industries from India says it is keen “to utilise the opportunity to understand the demands and trends for special application and OTR tyres, to develop these products for a wider customer base.”

Although the exhibition does not open its doors until March 2008, almost 60 per cent of stand space in the Sandton Convention Centre has already been sold, demonstrating the keen interest in the second staging of the show, according to the show organisers. In selecting dates for next March, ECI has deliberately avoided clashing with other events such as AutoAfrica and mining industry exhibitions.

For 2008 the exhibition will be broadening its base by attracting interest from the important mining, quarrying and industrial tyre markets. Dedicated advertising and marketing activities are already underway to achieve this.

Tyrexpo Africa’08 will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from 4-6 March 2008. Entry is trade only and free of charge.