Modern tyre plant for CEAT Kelani

A state-of-the-art facility for the manufacture of motorcycle tyres for the local and international markets has been commissioned by CEAT Kelani Holdings, the company that manufactures a large portion of the tyre needs.

Set up within the CEAT Kelani complex at Kelaniya with an initial investment of Rs 95 million, the new plant will operate as Asian Tyres (Pvt) Ltd, a member of CEAT Kelani Holdings.

It will have an initial capacity of 162,000 tyres a year in 17 sizes, some with new tread patterns that deliver improved performance in local conditions, a company official said.

Managing Director and CEO, CEAT Kelani Holdings, Vijay Gambhire said the new plant would contribute to supplementary import substitution, enhance export earnings and further consolidate CEAT's market share in the motorcycle tyre segment.

The company already accounts for 17 percent of the motorcycle tyre market, in addition to its market shares of 30 percent in the radial segment, 52 percent in the truck and light truck category, 48 percent in the three-wheel segment and 73 percent in the agricultural tyre segment, the official said.