Sri Lanka’s largest manufacturing facility for tyres and radials, Ferentino Tyre Corporation (Pvt) Limited, was declared open by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The first and only of its kind in Sri Lanka is tipped to be the largest such facility in the whole of Southeast Asia for Passenger Car Radials (PCR), including specialised category for SUVs, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, trucks, buses and solid tyres seamlessly combining local talent with sophisticated European technology
Prime Minister Mahinda Rakjapaksa, Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa, and Minister of Ports & Shipping Rohitha Abeygunwardena also attended the opening ceremony.
The USD 250 Million project is the brainchild of reputed entrepreneur Nandana Lokuwithana, who is currently Chairman of Ceylon Steele Corporation (Pvt) Ltd.
A massive boost for country’s export sector, the new manufacturing plant, which is Phase 1 of the project, seamlessly combines state-of-the-art European technology in tyre manufacturing with local craftsmanship for an optimum, world-class output. The project is facilitated by the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) and aims to generate a substantial amount employment opportunity.
Ferentino Tyres will use locally sourced rubber as a main ingredient thereby compelling the local industry to level itself to deliver to the global expectation. The company said that the construction of Phase 2 is well on scheduled to be completed in March 2021.
Chairman of Ferentino Tyre Corporation (Pvt) Ltd Lokuwithana said: “We are excited to commence operations at this timely juncture giving the local economy the much needed gentle push to recover from post-pandemic challenges particularly pertaining to employment and export revenue. I would like to extend my gratitude to HE President for his vision of elevating Sri Lanka to become an industrial hub in the ensuing years & Government sector officials, especially BOI, who work tirelessly toward the same unified goal. I hope Ferentino Tyres will serve to inspire & incentivize other discerning investors to explore the many exciting opportunities that Sri Lanka holds.”
Nandana Lokuwithana is a distinguished entrepreneur of global standing heading the Ceylon Steel Corporation Ltd & Onyx Group in the UAE with a host of subsidiaries including a steel fabrication company. His other investments include: Marriot Al Jadaf Hotel in Dubai, up-coming state-of-the art Cement Grinding Plant in Mirijjawila Hambantota slated to be commissioned in May 2021 and Marangoni Industrial Tyres Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
Bridgestone Golf Rolls Out e6 SOFT TREADLINE Equipped With Dueler Tyre-Inspired 360 Align Tech
- By TT News
- June 24, 2026
Bridgestone Golf has unveiled the latest iteration of its premier ball franchise, the e6 SOFT TREADLINE, which now features the innovative 360 Align Tech. As the longest-running and best-selling series in the company’s history, this new model draws inspiration from the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent tyre, applying tread-like technology to the golf ball’s design. The launch reinforces the brand’s commitment to blending automotive engineering insights with golf performance.
The new e6 SOFT TREADLINE maintains the core engineering that has defined its predecessors, including a large, soft and fast core with gradational compression to maximise ball speed and distance. Its seamless Surlyn cover ensures durability and responsive feedback, while advanced aerodynamic patterns promote stability during flight. This combination produces a high launch with low spin off the tee, alongside reliable short-game feel and control around the greens.
Central to the new design is the 360 Align Tech, a full-coverage alignment aid that wraps entirely around the ball. This feature assists golfers in putting precision, visualising roll, squaring the putter face and aiming with greater confidence while also supporting a repeatable pre-shot routine. The tread pattern provides a visible reference from any angle, helping players achieve cleaner setup visuals and improved target awareness.
Available now as a limited-edition two-piece model, the Bridgestone e6 SOFT TREADLINE is priced at USD 23.99 per dozen. Golfers seeking guidance on the ideal ball for their game can utilise the online Golf Ball Selection Guide available on the company’s official website.
Adam Rehberg, Senior Marketing Manager of golf balls at Bridgestone Golf, said, “Our research showed golfers are increasingly looking for more advanced visual alignment technology both on the tee and on the greens, and the 360-degree TREADLINE pattern is designed to deliver a highly effective solution in both environments. By integrating design inspiration from the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent tyre, we were able to create a performance-driven alignment system with a unique connection to the broader Bridgestone brand.”
Tegeta Green Planet Champions Environmental Responsibility In Borjomi Schools
- By TT News
- June 24, 2026
Tegeta Green Planet has launched a significant educational initiative across the Borjomi region of Georgia, designed to cultivate environmental stewardship among the youth. The programme, which commenced in 2022, holds a pioneering status as one of the first organisations in the country authorised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture under the Extended Producer Responsibility framework. This authorisation underscores the company's commitment to managing the full lifecycle of specific waste streams, including used tyres, oils and batteries, in alignment with circular economy principles.
The initiative recently brought company representatives to Public Schools No. 3, No. 4 and No. 6 in Borjomi, as well as the Kvibisi Public School. The programme’s location is strategically significant, given that Borjomi is celebrated for its unique natural environment, mineral waters and vital forest ecosystems. The region’s sustainable development is inherently linked to the preservation of its natural heritage, making the education of local youth a critical component for its future.
During the school visits, students were introduced to the technicalities of waste stream management, learning the proper handling procedures for tyres, batteries and oils. The curriculum emphasised the environmental necessity of correct disposal and explained the broader connection to a circular economy, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into valuable resources. The sessions highlighted how individual responsibility directly contributes to broader environmental protection and sustainable societal growth.
The educational format employed by Tegeta Green Planet was highly interactive, moving beyond traditional lectures. The programme featured presentations followed by engaging activities and educational games to reinforce learning, encouraging active participation from the students. The workshops provided a platform for open dialogue, where young attendees posed questions and proposed local solutions for creating eco-friendly communities. To make the experience more memorable and rewarding, symbolic gifts were distributed to all participants at the conclusion of the sessions.
Longmarch Group Begins Construction On €160 Million Tyre Plant In Egypt's Suez Canal Zone
- By TT News
- June 24, 2026
China’s Longmarch Group has initiated construction on a substantial tyre manufacturing venture in Egypt, valued at EGP 9.5 billion (EUR 160 million). The official groundbreaking was confirmed on 17 June by the Suez Canal Economic Zone's general authority. The new facility, named Longmarch Tyre (Egypt) Ltd, will be situated within the integrated industrial zone of Ain Sokhna, occupying a sprawling 200,000-square-metre site.
The development is structured as a two-phase project. The initial stage is designed to achieve an annual production capacity of 600,000 units for trucks and buses. Upon completion of the second phase, the plant's total output for these tyres will escalate to one million units per year, alongside an additional annual capacity of 4.5 million passenger car radial tyres.
Production from the Egyptian plant is primarily intended to satisfy local market demand, though the company also has clear ambitions to target export markets across the region and beyond. Longmarch Group’s chairman, Jin Yong Sheng, lauded the investment climate within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, highlighting its strategic location and superior logistical advantages as key factors for the company's expansion.
Established in 2003, Longmarch already operates a production base in Chaoyang, China, and manages a tyre joint venture in Pakistan. The Egyptian project marks a significant milestone in the firm's global strategy, leveraging the economic zone's competitive environment to strengthen its international footprint.
JK Organisation Marks 93rd Birth Anniversary Of Hari Shankar Singhania With Pan-India Blood Donation Effort
- By TT News
- June 24, 2026
JK Organisation commemorated the 93rd birth anniversary of its late former President, Hari Shankar Singhania, by hosting blood donation camps across its offices and manufacturing facilities. The initiative drew the voluntary participation of over 8,000 employees from various Group companies, underscoring the conglomerate's steadfast dedication to social responsibility. Prior to donating, all volunteers underwent health screenings for blood pressure, haemoglobin and weight, and each received a certificate of appreciation for their contribution.
The drive served as a tribute to the Padma Bhushan awardee’s enduring legacy, which was marked by a profound commitment to nation-building and societal service. The late leader was instrumental in expanding the organisation’s footprint, overseeing the establishment of new enterprises and the integration of multiple businesses into its burgeoning portfolio.
Enthusiastic involvement was observed across all Group entities, including JK Tyre, JK Paper, JK Lakshmi Cement, JK Agri Genetics, JK Fenner, JK Foods, Delopt, CliniRx Tangent Research Ltd., JK Insurance, Indica Travels, PSRI Hospital and JK Lakshmipat University.
Dr Raghupati Singhania, Vice President, JK Organisation, said, "At JK Organisation, we have always believed that progress is meaningful only when it contributes to the well-being of our surrounding communities and the nation at large. For well over a century, JK Organisation has believed that business growth must go hand in hand with social progress. The blood donation drive organised across JKO Group companies is a meaningful expression of that philosophy and an opportunity to contribute towards a critical healthcare need.”
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT