Speedways’ large radial ag-tyre production ‘running smoothly’

India-based Speedways Rubber Company decided to enter the radial agricultural tyre segment with the addition of new manufacturing equipment a couple of years ago. The upgraded part of the production operation is now said to be running smoothly ahead of reaching full capacity in the first quarter of 2013. With new manufacturing equipment, increased output and larger products in hand, company representatives are now further developing their plans for where to sell these tyres. And the business’ recent appearance at Reifen 2012 in Essen demonstrates the firm’s clear international perspective.

Currently Speedways sees the North American, South American and European markets as locations of key focus for the company which distributes to about 80 countries worldwide. The US is the largest export destination at the moment. Within Europe Germany, France, Italy and the UK are seen as the largest markets for Speedways – but there reportedly isn’t much between the top three. Sales currently total around US$40 million a year, with this figure expected to grow 30 per cent in 2012. The next goal is to increase sales by a further 50 per cent in the next couple of years.

Speedways’ central production plant is located in Punjab, Jalandhar. The new manufacturing line can be found in the same place. As well as enabling the company to produce radials, Speedways’ recent manufacturing equipment upgrade investment facilitates the construction of bigger products than ever before – 38 to 42-inch radial agricultural tyres to be precise. The investment also reportedly increases output by 15 tonnes a day.

‘Stringent’ standards

Established in 1984 as Speedways Rubber Company, the business manufactures farm radial (and cross ply) tyres, two and three wheeler tyres as well as light truck and truck tyres plus tubes and flaps. Speedways puts its continuing international development down to its policy of enforcing “the most stringent quality standards in its manufacturing unit as well as its laboratory.”  

According to the company, the manufacturing plant is an example of “sophisticated technology and a skilled workforce working hand in hand.” It apparently features some of the most modern production machinery available imported from Taiwan, which is said to give Speedways the technological edge required to maintain its current reputation. From automatic tyre building machines to the latest Bagomatic curing machines for automobile tyres, company representatives are confident that the plant is well equipped with a strong infrastructure in place. 

The laboratory is equipped with instrumentation such as Rheometers designed to ensure that the most stringent quality standards an enforced. Furthermore in–house inspections by quality inspectors of internationally accredited agencies (like DNV) are designed to guarantee that no compromise on quality is made. All this means that Speedways is also Reach compliant, something that is certified every six months.