2013

Sumitomo Rubber SA Statement On Allegations Of Unlawful Retrenchments

Monday, 21 June 2021

SRI GROUP

"Sumitomo Rubber South Africa has noted recent isolated grievances on social media in respect of a matter which dates back to 2013/14. An image accompanying some of these messages contains serious but inaccurate allegations against our company, which we wish to strongly refute."

We confirm that the matter in question relates to former employees of Apollo Tyres and not Sumitomo Rubber South Africa. All queries or grievances in this regard should therefore be redirected to Apollo Tyres Africa via their Regional Headquarters.

The facts of this matter have been communicated previously by our company and are again set out below.

In 2013, Japanese listed tyre manufacturer Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd (SRI) acquired the Dunlop Brand from Apollo Tyres South Africa (ATSA). In 2014 Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd (SRSA) was established as a subsidiary of SRI. ATSA has continued with its business independently from both SRI and SRSA.

Following the acquisition of the Dunlop Brand, SRI and SRSA in fact employed approximately half of ATSA’s direct employees. The remaining employees continued to be employed by ATSA in its continued operation at its Durban factory.

SRSA’s tyre manufacturing operation continues to operate from our Ladysmith plant, which has been expanded in various phases over the years, creating greater capacity for growth and employment opportunities. SRSA has not engaged in any of the conduct referred to in the abovementioned social media posts.