GRI completes second phase of plant expansion

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Specialty tire maker Global Rubber Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. (GRI) has completed Phase II of its $100 million expansion at its plant in Sri Lanka, which will increase capacity at the plant.

GRI said capacity will increase nearly 100%, to 60 tons per day, in order to support increased agricultural demand in several key markets including the U.S., Europe and Australia.

As part of the expansion, which began in 2021, GRI added eight new tire building machines and 17 tire curing presses. In addition, the company said it is using state-of-the-art technology for real-time decision-making and machine optimization, while focusing on R&D enhancement of physical infrastructure in the factory premises.

The facility is being built adjacent to GRI's current facility.

GRI said its goal is to increase capacity to 750,000 tires per year, including a total capacity of 100 tons per day. That increase is part of recently started Phase III of the expansion project.

Once Phase III of the expansion is complete, GRI will add 220,000 square feet to its facility there.

GRI said the expansion project will create 500 new jobs, once complete.

GRI CEO Mahesha Ranasoma said the company is "proud to have received such encouraging levels of customer acceptance for our radial as well as bias agriculture tires, which we present to the international markets we operate in as our GREEN XLR and GREEN EX brands."

"As a result of this expansion, we are now able to double our current volumes and provide our customers the opportunity to grow their businesses. We are also happy to be serving Sri Lanka by creating employment opportunities through this expansion while generating much needed foreign earnings and export revenues for the country."

GRI said the ramp up of production capacities has focused on sustainability led production initiatives as well. The company said it builds its products sustainably by using pure natural rubber from Sri Lanka.

Founded in 2002, GRI produces material handling solid tires, radial agriculture tires and construction tires. It operates in nine countries and a business presence in more than 50 countries.

GRI recently was recognized for its excellence in business and its contribution to Sri Lanka, earning three honors at the National Business Excellence Awards 2021 held by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.

GRI was the runner-up for the Excellence in the Global Market Reach Category award. The company also was presented with with a Merit Award for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability and a Merit Award for Manufacturing.