GRI's Ananda Caldera, Prabhash Subasinghe and Manohar Hampanna Mahajanshetti

GRI (Global Rubber Industries) has laid the foundation for the construction of its latest specialised tyre factory in Badalgama, Sri Lanka.

This factory will be focused on producing pneumatic tyres for agriculture, industrial, off-road and construction vehicles, with all of the products destined for the export market.

"I am proud to lay the foundation for the next phase of growth for GRI in specialty tyres," says Prabhash Subasinghe, managing director of GRI. "This factory will be designed and equipped with state-of-the-art technology (and) will focus on technical innovation, precision engineering and operational excellence. It will rank among the best in the world."

GRI will invest over USD40 million in the new facility, which will be built adjacent to its current solid industrial tyre factory in Badalgama.

The new GRI factory will be the largest in Sri Lanka dedicated to producing specialty tyres.

"Strategic expansion of GRI into manufacturing of specialty tyres is a historic event for both the company and the Sri Lankan rubber industry. GRI will strengthen the implementation of the Government Rubber Master Plan," says Ananda Caldera, executive director of GRI, who is leading its efforts in the new product line.

The new plant is expected to commence trial production by the end of 2017.
GRI is a leading manufacturer of specialised tyres for materials handling, industrial, agricultural, off-road and construction vehicles. GRI is based in Sri Lanka and has sales offices and warehouses in the United States, Germany, France, Netherlands and Australia.