GRI develops Sri Lanka’s first off-the-road winter tyre for Japan

Japan Warehouse GRIPEX SNOW 

In a first for GRI, as well as for Sri Lanka, the company developed and launched an off-the-road (OTR) winter tyre for the Japanese specialty tyre market. 

Designed in collaboration with its Japanese partner the ‘Gripex Snow’ tyre was developed to withstand the winter weather and distinct terrain of Hokkaido prefecture in northern Japan. The OTR tyre is fitted on vehicles used in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring optimal traction and higher stability on snow.

“We developed a special tyre that gives assured performance on snow combined with Hokkaido’s unique geographical terrain. It is built to withstand extreme weather and low temperatures. This tyre is a milestone for GRI as it is a very different technology developed for a very discerning market. GRI is proud of this accomplishment for Japan,” said GRI CEO Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma.

The ‘Gripex Snow’ tyre provides a stronger grip and better traction in deep snow. It also has firm stability in rough use under the toughest of conditions. Its effective traction on wet and compacted snow is ensured by the unique tread design that channels snow and water out efficiently. This robust tyre guarantees optimal performance in low temperatures and preserves longer tyre life.

‘Gripex Snow’ underwent rigorous testing in-house and as well as independently to fine-tune the product and meet stringent specifications. “GRI is known for having a well-reputed pure natural rubber supply base in Sri Lanka and a world-class production plant. We also have built LEAN management and manufacturing excellence processes to complement our infrastructure. Our skilled manpower and technical expertise results in a shorter development curve which makes GRI an ideal fit for a special project of this nature,” explained GRI Head of Technology Manohar Mahajanshetti. Another key factor was GRI’s commitment to the customer. “This project is significant to GRI as well as Sri Lanka, as it is an expansion to our line of specialty tyres and an innovative path to the Japanese market with a large OTR winter tyre. We are grateful for the opportunity to create a product for a specialised customer need and our determination to create the tyre reflects our principle of being a customer-centric company. Our diligent technical team made this challenging project a reality,” noted GRI MD Prabhash Subasinghe.

GRI is driven by an enthusiastic team keen to take the company and the country’s high-quality products to the world. GRI’s advanced new factory is the largest in Sri Lanka to produce specialty tyres and the first to produce radial agriculture tyres in the country. GRI produces radial agriculture tyres, construction tyres and material handling solid tyres and has an international presence in nine countries, with sales in over 50 countries.