Rs. 350 m hi-tech radial tyre plant at CEAT

The installation of a Rs. 350 million state-of-the-art radial tyre plant that will produce Sri Lanka's first hi-tech car and van tyres is nearing completion at CEAT Sri Lanka, on target for commercial availability of the product next month.

The fully-automated high-productivity plant which will operate in controlled temperature and humidity conditions will produce T-rated steel-belted radial tyres with high durability polyester carcases and unique tread patterns designed for Sri Lankan roads, the company said.

These products will cater to most models of cars and vans, providing motorists with tyres of international standard, that are matched to local road and usage conditions, while providing consumers with key benefits such as good mileage, riding comfort, and excellent handling and safety, CEAT Sri Lanka Managing Director Oscar Braganza said.

Nearly all the machinery for production has already been installed at CEAT's factory complex at Kelaniya.

The plant will have an initial installed capacity of 26,000 tyres per month. At first glance, the locally produced CEAT radial would look like any other high-end imported tyre, CEAT Sri Lanka General Manager - Sales and Marketing K. Ravi Shankar said. "However to an expert eye, the new tyre would reveal many features that represent quality and superior performance attributes," he said.

For example, a centre rib provides good steering and handling while parallel 'see-through' channels aid water removal. Parabolic grooves in the tread pattern provide increase traction and grip to prevent spinning and give good braking. Unlike in many other radials, the parabolic grooves do not open into the channels, and this feature offers grater durability and wear uniformity.

The tyres have been manufactured to a five pitch design, with randomised groove curves of five different sizes for noise reduction.

The tyre shoulders are reinforced with large blocks for good cornering stability and are bridged for greater wear resistance.