Update: GRI targets efficiency with new Comerio Ercole calender

Colombo – Global Rubber Industries (GRI) has invested over $40 million (€36 million) in a new Comerio Ercole calender to improve process efficiency at its speciality tire production plant in Badalgama, Sri Lanka.

The precision calender delivers high-quality output and accuracy in rubberising tire cord fabrics, GRI said in a 30 May announcement

Particularly used in the production of agricultural tires, the machine can deliver an output of 300 tonnes/day and enables GRI to make steel belted radials.

The machine is fitted with up-stream and down-stream equipment to rubberise fabrics such as nylon, polyester and steel, the tire maker added.

Opened in January 2018, the Badalgama pneumatic tire factory produces mostly agricultural tires (70%), in addition to construction and forklift tires.

GRI said it has employed automated machinery, including a Marangoni tire-building machine, at the site to enhance consistency and quality and to reduce cycle times.

The factory is certified ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 and was recently accredited with the ISO 50001 energy management certification.

The plant features 1.2MW solar panels, biomass boilers and fully recyclable waste and water management systems.