KSA Tire: A Brief History
Founded in 1975 in Riyadh, KSA tiring has come a long way from being a small tire retreading shop to one of the largest tire manufacturing companies in the Gulf region. Starting off by offering tire repair and maintenance services, the company ventured into tire manufacturing in the late 1980s under the leadership of its founder Ahmed Al-Harbi. The company’s first manufacturing plant was set up in Dammam in 1989 with an annual production capacity of 50,000 tires. Over the next two decades, KSA tiring expanded aggressively by setting up multiple plants across Saudi Arabia and the GCC and increasing its annual production capacity manifolds. Today, KSA tiring operates 5 manufacturing facilities with a total annual production exceeding 2.5 million tires catering to both OEM and replacement markets in the region.
Focus on Quality and Innovation
Right from the start, KSA Tiring has placed strong emphasis on manufacturing tires using best in class production processes and strict quality control measures. The company was one of the early adopters of advanced tire building technologies like radial tire construction and bead to bead casing winding which resulted in stronger and more durable tire casings. In 2000, KSA tiring became the first tire company in the Middle East to get ISO 9001 certification highlighting its commitment to quality management systems and processes. Continuous investment in R&D has allowed KSA tiring to develop specialized tire lines for passenger cars, trucks, buses as well as off-road applications. Some of KSA tiring’s innovative products include alloy wheel compatible tires, run flat tires, fuel saver tires and retread solutions. The company works closely with various OEMs to develop tailored tires as per their specifications.
Supplying to Diverse Markets
While Saudi Arabia remains KSA tiring’s core market with majority of domestic automobile and commercial vehicle tire needs fulfilled by the company, it also exports tires to over 50 countries worldwide. The company has a strong presence across Gulf countries like UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain through its extensive distribution network. KSA tiring also supplies OTR tires to various mining, construction and earthmoving equipment fleets operating across Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. Other key export markets include certain European countries, India, South East Asia and East Africa. Through strategic tie-ups with local partners, KSA tiring aims to increase its international footprint across these growing territories. The company also caters to specific niche markets like tires for Agricultural vehicles and construction equipment used in Saudi domestic market.
Manufacturing Capabilities and Facilities
KSA tire maintains some of the most advanced tire manufacturing capabilities in the region at its five plant facilities located in Dammam, Hofuf, Qassim, Jeddah and Riyadh. The Dammam plant established in 1989 was KSA tiring’s first facility and it currently focuses on producing a variety of passenger car, SUV and light truck tires. The Hofuf plant built in 1997 is one of the largest tire manufacturing plants in Middle East with a capacity of 1 million tires annually. It manufactures commercial vehicle, OTR and farm tires. The Qassim plant commissioned in 2009 produces passenger car, SUV and specialty tires. The Jeddah plant built in 2015 is equipped to manufacture ultra-high performance tires as well as mine crawler tires. The newest Riyadh plant which began operations in 2019 focuses on niche application tires for construction and material handling equipment. Collectively these plants employ over 5000 personnel and have capabilities for all key tire building processes from raw material mixing to curing, testing and finishing.
Providing Superior Service
In addition to strong manufacturing, KSA tiring considers distribution, aftersales and customer service as important pillars of success. The company operates 170 exclusive showrooms and more than 450 dealerships across KSA to provide best in class sales and service support to its consumers. Even in remote areas of the Kingdom, KSA tiring ensures availability through various mobile fitment vans and service trucks. Customers can also purchase KSA tiring products online through its e-commerce website. Additionally, the company runs 12 modern regional warehouses and distribution centers to ensure just in time fulfillment of dealer and customer orders. KSA tiring’s gold standard customer service initiatives like speedy fitments, on site repairs, warranty support and 24×7 roadside assistance have helped it earn customer loyalty over the years.
Environmental Responsibility
Ever since the company’s inception, efficient use of resources and minimizing environmental impact has been an important operating principle at KSA tiring. Its production facilities employ advanced energy efficient technologies for operations. All manufacturing waste is treated and disposed as per stringent norms with goal of achieving zero waste. Recycled materials are used where possible in tire components and the company is a pioneer in retreaded tire solutions for a more circular economy approach. KSA tiring has made significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and sources portion of its power requirements through solar and other clean sources. The company has won numerous accolades for its sustainability initiatives from bodies like MA’ADEN and Saudi Green Building Council. It remains committed to reducing carbon footprint further through continuous improvements in eco friendly processes and green technologies.
Focus on People and Local Economy
Spanning over four decades of growth, KSA tiring has created massive employment opportunities in the Kingdom’s private sector. It takes pride in being one of the best companies to work for in Saudi Arabia as recognized by various surveys. The company considers training and development of Saudi nationals as a key social responsibility. KSA tiring has partnered with top technical universities to design specialized diploma and degree programs in tire technology, rubber engineering and automotive sciences.
In Summary, majority of its workforce today comprises of Saudis holding various roles from shop floor to senior management positions. KSA tiring plays an active role in the development of ancillary manufacturing industry in Saudi Arabia by sourcing raw materials, machinery and services locally. This helps strengthen the national economy and create more job avenues across different sectors.