Laugfs ventures into solid tyre market

SHIRAJIV SIRIMANE

Laugfs Gas Holdings will invest a further Rs. 800 million to enter the international solid tyre market this year.

"There is growing global demand for solid tyres and this was the reason for us to enter this market," said Chairman Managing Director Laugfs, W. A. Wegapitiya said.

First on the pneumatic tyre portfolio in Sri Lanka was Laugfs Colt, a 4.00x8 small pneumatic tyre with a 425kg at 425KPa (60RSI) and flexible sidewalls designed and manufactured for three-wheelers. "This has proved to be a major success and we commend a high market share," he said.

A range of larger pneumatic tyres for motorbikes, passenger vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles would be introduced this year.

The company hopes to introduce under the brand names Palomino and Stallion. Since the company is also involved in the lubricant and Auto Gas conversion market in Australia they will also export tyres to the Aussie market as well. "We have established our presence in Australia," he said.

Laugfs introduced Auto Gas Conversion Industry to Sri Lanka is already manufacturing tyres for local three wheelers from their factory. "We have the technology and machinery to move into other areas of production," he said.

Loadstar based in Mirissa Matara is today one of the largest solid tyre manufactures in the world. "This proves that 'Made in Sri Lanka' tag is well accepted all over the world.

The company hopes to install new machinery at their tyre factory in Horana for these new operations.