GRI optimistic about future following resilient 2022

Reflecting on the year that was 2022, GRI’s Dr Mahesha Ranasoma comments that the company “made significant strides in building its GreenLeadership credentials” during the year. The chief executive officer adds that the off-highway tyre specialist “weathered the storms and the impact of the global economic downturn” during 2022, continuing to “remain resilient throughout the year.”

For Ranasoma, the “hallmark of the year” came when GRI introduced one of the world’s first sustainable agriculture tyres, the Green XLR Earth Series. This tyre’s debut in the USA in August was followed in November by the launch of the GRI Green XLR Earth 65+ Series in Europe.

“These tyres are designed with bio-sourced and sustainable materials, including recycled carbon black, highly dispersible silica and natural oil,” comments the chief executive officer. “As they reduce the carbon footprint, they also improve durability and performance. The 65+ series is further distinguished through its unique tread pattern, designed to create a virtual rib.”

Dr Ranasoma adds that GRI was happy to have further strengthened its agriculture tyre portfolio with the introduction of the iFlex and vFlex ranges, which respectively feature IF and VF technologies. Through the launch of these, our aim is to support farmers with high technology tires that enhance soil protection, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and yield.”

New US presence, factory upgrade

Developments at GRI extended beyond the agricultural sector, with the chief executive officer noting that 2022 was “significant for other reasons as well.” The company established a presence in the USA with the opening of a corporate office in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) in North Carolina. “It also gave us great pride to announce our fifth acquisition as we welcomed Klumpenaar Industriebanden BV in the Netherlands to our business,” adds Ranasoma. “Klumpenaar is a company with a strong reputation for outstanding customer service in the material handling tyre aftermarket service and distribution business and comprises a fully functional team of seasoned industry professionals.”

Further 2022 highlights include the completion of phase two of GRI’s US$100 million production capacity upgrade at its plant in Sri Lanka. “This expansion is set to increase our production capacity to support the increase in demand for our agriculture tyre category, particularly in key markets like the US, Europe and Australia.”

Last but not least, Ranasoma says GRI was “honoured to receive three awards at the National Business Excellence Awards 2021,” accolades that recognise “our excellence in business and contribution to the economic advancement of Sri Lanka.”

Driving tyre industry sustainability

“As we look ahead to 2023, I remain optimistic about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for GRI. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers, reliable suppliers, dedicated employees, and hardworking natural rubber farmers for their continued support. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and drive sustainability in the tyre industry,” Dr Ranasoma concludes.