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Tyre major eyes 30pc sales growth

DUBAI —Solideal, manufacturer of industrial and construction equipment tyres, said it was on course to achieve a 30 per cent growth to 2.8 million units in global sales this year compared to 2004.

The Belgium-based tyre maker, said it was geared to meet the growing requirements of the Middle East market following a major production boost with the opening of three new factories in China. It has also production plants in Sri Lanka and Yugoslavia. "In the Middle East, where we enjoy a market share of 50 per cent, we have been averaging 25 per cent annual growth over the years. We are doing much better in UAE and Oman thanks to our distributors Al Saeedi Trading," said Andre Cosijn, the outgoing international sales manager of Solideal."

Kuttan Malattri, managing director of Al Saeedi, said the brand today commands more than 50 per cent of the market share in its segment. Frederic Merlin, Solideal's new global sales manager, said plans are under way for the tyre major to enter Afghanistan and several other markets in the region. "Solideal is a world leader not only in terms of sales, but also in innovation, technology and logistics. In this region, currently undergoing dynamic growth, we want to consolidate our leadership position with new market forays and innovations," he said.

Solideal's range includes pneumatic, resilient and press on tyres, wheels and rubber tracks. Solideal has become the benchmark which other industrial and construction equipment judge’s tyre manufacturers.