Goodyear SA Invests in Production for Export

Goodyear South Africa’s new managing director, Jean-Jacques Wiroth, has announced an R70-million (£5.4 million) investment in the company’s Uitenhage plant at the first major event he has hosted since taking up the post in early April. These funds are earmarked for the launch of new locally produced tyres – the Wrangler AT/SA for off-road use, the DuraGrip passenger car tyre, and the Duramax G22, developed specifically for the taxi market. These tyres will be exported to sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.

“We are investing not only in the Uitenhage plant to produce these products, via new machinery, new moulds and various continuous improvement projects, but also in our people and distribution channels through continuous training and development,” said Wiroth.

Company marketing director Dustine Gascoyne added that the Wrangler had been designed specifically for African conditions at the Goodyear Technical Centre in Luxembourg. “It was also tested and adapted in South Africa for local conditions.” The Duramax, he said was “a global product”, designed in Luxembourg but tested and adjusted for South African conditions. The DuraGrip was also designed in Luxembourg and tested locally but that no adjustments had been required, he continued.