Dunlop invests R1.7 billion into Ladysmith manufacturing plant in KZN
- Dylan Naidoo
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By: Dylan Naidoo
Members of the media were invited to Dunlop South Africa (SA)’s plant in uMnambithi (formally Ladysmith) on 13 August 2026 for the announcement for the completion of a R1.7 billion investment to the manufacturing plant in KZN. The main aim of this investment is quoted to deliver new world-class technology to the facility.
There has been a growing demand in the crossover and SUV segment in South Africa, and it should be no surprise for Dunlop to be investing into new tyre technology to meet the growing needs of the public. These new tyres are expected to be exported inside South Africa and across the African continent, repositioning the facility as a hub for “automotive growth” across the African region. This three-year investment is backed by Dunlop SA’s parent company, Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) of Japan, with the goal of advancing technologies to accommodate the next generation of vehicles to hit the roads of Africa.
What vehicles will the investment help with
The investment by Dunlop is strategically positioned to accommodate the advanced tyre technology for high-quality passenger vehicles, SUVs and light trucks. Whilst Dunlop mentions this will aid with vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, we could expect Toyota’s commercial brand, Hino, to adopt these new tyres for their light trucks, as well as other brands following suit. This investment will also strengthen South Africa’s position in the automotive space.
President and CEO of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Yasuaki Kuniyasu, made a statement at the announcement, reflecting on their long-term commitment towards South Africa. "Dunlop is a brand that is built on a long history and deep trust, and it represents our mission to deliver safe, high-quality tyres to customers around the globe. Within our global strategy, our business in South Africa holds a very important place. Here, the automotive industry is one of the key industries that supports the nation's economy and employment. To take part in that industry means a great deal to us. As a tyre maker rooted in this region, supplying high-quality tyres reliably to our OE customers is both our responsibility and our great pride,” said Kuniyasu. He continued by explaining that this investment reinforces relations between South Africa and Japan, as well as the continued confidence in South Africa as a manufacturing partner.
South Africa’s National Minister of Trade, Parks Tau, eagerly welcomed the investment. “Thank you to Sumitomo Rubber Industries for continuing to bet on this country. This plant does not stand alone. It sits at the centre of South Africa’s automotive value chain, supplying original equipment partners that include Toyota, Isuzu, Ford, Volkswagen and Nissan. A R1,7 billion investment in local manufacturing is sustained by a fair and level playing field, and the government understands that building that playing field is our collective responsibility.”
The new technology in uMnambithi
Dunlop claims that the new mixture for the tyre compound utilises a new curing technology, which enables to bring this new manufacturing plant in line with current standards. Dunlop further claims that this new compound is expected to provide enhanced temperature control, which enables more reliable and durable tyres.
KZN MEC Musa Zondi commented on the investment: “This is the type of investment that demonstrates the value of strong public private partnerships in driving economic growth, strengthening local manufacturing and supporting jobs and livelihoods, and positions our province as a competitive destination for investment.”
Benefits of the Investment
One of the major factors of this investment is that it brings a number of benefits to both manufacturing and the future of vehicles. These include:
The new mixer technology enables better compound performance at a more efficient energy consumption.
The new low resistant tyres ensure vehicle manufacturers meet future emission and efficiency requirements.
Lubin Ozoux, CEO of Dunlop Tyres South Africa, explains that this investment is expected to strengthen the economy of uMnambithi, whilst also strengthening local business and contributing to long-term economic growth.
Dunlop currently has a brand presence spanning 23 different African countries and anticipates that this investment will expand their footprint in these countries even more. This investment is solely beneficial for South Africa only, but also for KZN, as this investment further solidifies KZN’s position as a vital player in the manufacturing market. Trusted by brands such as Toyota, Mahindra and Dunlop, the KZN region shows great potential in automotive manufacturing.
Visit Dunlop's website here: https://www.dunloptyres.co.za/
