Sumitomo Rubber Industries temporarily shuts South Africa tyre plant

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the manufacturer of the global Falken tyre brand in addition to its own eponymous range, has temporarily shut down its factory in South Africa on government orders. The factory manufactures Dunlop brand car and light truck tyres. All of its other tyre manufacturing facilities are currently operational, though staff at the Falken Tyre Europe headquarters in Germany are working remotely where possible, or following social distancing guidelines.

SRI’s full statement reads:

“In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, production of tyres at Sumitomo Rubber South Africa has been temporarily shut down due to government orders. All other tyre production facilities are in operation.

“Within the wider group, for sport goods both Dunlop International (Philippines) and Roger Cleveland Golf Company are currently in temporary shutdown, as is Lonstroff Medical Elastomers d.o.o for industrial products, with the latter scheduled to resume production from April.

“Falken Tyre Europe’s headquarters in Offenbach, Germany, is abiding by government guidance with employees working from home where possible and observing guidance on social distancing, with day-to-day business operations and support for Falken customers continuing.”