Tanzania to “revive” tire plant

Dar es Salaam - The government of Tanzania is planning to “revive” General Tyre East Africa as of July, after seven years of being idle, local press reports said on 21 April.

According to Tanzania Daily News, a government notice will be issued to allow the Arusha-based factory to be put under National Development Corporation (NDC), for further investment and revival.

"We have asked NDC to draw up a workable feasibility study, which will also incorporate stakeholders’ opinions," said minister of industry, trade and investment Charles Mwijage.

He added that the government wanted the factory to go into operation “as soon as possible”.

Established in 1969 as a partnership between the government of Tanzania and General Tyre USA, the company was the first tire-maker in east Africa.

In the 1990s, Continental AG purchased the shares of the US firm, which it recently sold to the Tanzanian government.

According to Tanzania Daily News, the factory, at its peak, produced about 1,000 tires a day, with installed capacity of producing 320,000 units per anum.