Production restart planned for ex-Dunlop Zimbabwe plant

The former Dunlop Zimbabwe operation is said to be preparing to resume production early next year. Harare-based newspaper Business Chronicle writes that Auto Tyres Zimbabwe, as the company is now known, has acquired “modern tyre-making equipment that will enhance competitive production,” and as a result will be in a position to end the year-long production hiatus brought about by “working capital and foreign currency constraints.”

The equipment was purchased in July, and while Auto Tyres Zimbabwe hasn’t disclosed the value of this investment, it says a new line is being installed in its Bulawayo plant. This will facilitate growth of the facility’s production portfolio. A company director shares that the plan is to expand capacity at Auto Tyres Zimbabwe from 6,000 tonnes per annum to in excess of 7,000 tonnes.