A new off-the-road winter tire for the Japanese specialty tire market has been developed and launched by GRI. Designed in collaboration with Japanese partners, GRI says the Gripex Snow tire was developed to withstand the winter weather and distinct terrain of Hokkaido prefecture in northern Japan, and is said to be the first tire of its kind to come from Sri Lanka. The OTR tire is fitted on vehicles used in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring optimal traction and high stability on snow.
The Gripex Snow tire provides strong grip and high traction in deep snow and also has firm stability in rough use under the toughest of conditions, GRI says. The tire has effective traction on wet and compacted snow, ensured by the unique tread design that channels snow and water efficiently. GRI says the Gripex Snow guarantees optimal performance in low temperatures and preserves longer tire 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 result in a shorter development curve which makes GRI an ideal fit for a special project of this nature,” explained Manohar Mahajanshetti, head of technology, GRI.
“We developed a special tire that gives an assured performance on snow combined with Hokkaido’s unique geographical terrain. It is built to withstand extreme weather and low temperatures. This tire 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 Dr Mahesha Ranasoma, CEO of GRI.
“This project is significant to GRI as well as Sri Lanka, as it is an expansion to our line of specialty tires and an innovative path to the Japanese market with a large OTR winter tire. We are grateful for the opportunity to create a product for a specialized customer need and our determination to create the tire reflects our principle of being a customer-centric company. Our diligent technical team made this challenging project a reality,” noted Prabhash Subasinghe, MD of GRI.
GRI produces radial agriculture tires, construction tires, and material handling solid tires and has an international presence in nine countries, with sales in over fifty countries.
