Trelleborg AB has opened the enlarged production unit at Trelleborg Wheel Systems outside Colombo, Sri Lanka, where solid industrial and pneumatic tires primarily for industrial applications are produced. Trelleborg's production of solid industrial tires has now been consolidated to Sri Lanka, and the unit has also been expanded and streamlined using entirely new technology for this type of tire.
"The production technology we created at the unit is unique," says Trelleborg Wheel Systems' Business Area President, Maurizio Vischi. "The many years and high expertise in production existing in the unit, combined with the new production method, result in both higher quality and more efficient productivity."
Trelleborg's production unit for solid industrial tires in Sri Lanka was one of the first in the country and was started as far back as the 1980s. Today, Sri Lanka has developed into a center for the production of solid industrial tires and it is estimated that approximately 80 percent of the total global production occurs in the country. There is an excellent infrastructure for raw material in the country, making it a natural location for Trelleborg to consolidate the production of solid industrial tires.
The most important investments in the expansion were implemented to be able to introduce the new production technology. Investments were also made in more land as well as new production and storage areas. A total of approximately 800 individuals are employed at the plant.
"Naturally, it is very inspiring for employees here to work in one of the largest production units for solid industrial tires in the world. To also be involved in introducing the new production technology was very exciting," says Antonio E Garcia, head of Trelleborg Wheel Systems production unit in Sri Lanka.
Solid industrial tires are primarily used in material handling vehicles in such areas as airports, ports and storage facilities, for example, forklifts and other material handling vehicles with high utilization and load.