GRI expands reach, enters South American market

COLOMBO, Sr. Lanka — Global Rubber Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. (GRI) has marked another milestone in its history: The specialty tire maker has entered the South American market.

Hernan Acosta, who oversees GRI's South American business, called the expansion "a strategic move" as GRI continues its growth objectives. He said the company wants to establish itself as the leader in specialty tires in the country.

GRI established the operation through a partnership, working with tire distributors and dealers across South America, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Central America.

The tire maker also will be working with original-equipment manufacturers in Brazil and Argentina.

GRI started this expansion by hiring a local team.

"This allowed us to establish a robust distribution network and lay the groundwork for market penetration," Acosta said. "Our goal is not just to sell specialty tires, but to contribute to the region's growth through our focus on sustainability and innovation."

Among the key initiatives in the country are a comprehensive training programs for dealers; visiting dealers and end-users, and rigorous field tests in critical operational environments.

Barry Guildford, global commercial director of GRI, said those initiatives have been instrumental in driving GRI's business growth in both the agricultural and material handling sectors..

"Our commitment to superior customer service, technical expertise and high-grade products has enabled us to meet the increasing demand for reliable products capable of withstanding challenging operational conditions across the region," Guildford said.

"By emphasizing superior value through product quality and exceptional service, we have positioned GRI as a trusted choice for specialty tires in South America."

GRI has established operations in 13 countries and has sales in more than 70 countries. This move follows by a few weeks GRI's strengthening its partnership with Australian passenger car, truck and agricultural tire distributor Magri Group, which earlier in the year acquired Italian tire distributor Donati Gomme.