DATL reports cyberattack at UK operations

Birmingham, UK – Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Ltd (DATL) has reported that it suffered from a cyberattack last year at its headquarter facility in Erdington, Birmingham.

In its 2024 annual report published 6 May, the UK tire maker said it “recognises that a significant incident at its Erdington site could result in the business being inoperable for a period of time.”

DATL said crisis management and business recovery procedures are in place to prevent or mitigate any interruptions.

Following the cyberattack on 30 June 2024, the company said it applied recovery procedures to bring production back in operation by day 6 while full business operations were restored within 30 days.

Elsewhere, DATL reported a significant increase in full year earnings, helped by higher sales.

Earnings for the year ended 31 Dec 2024 grew 26% year-on-year to £9.2 million (€11 million) while turnover reached £57 million, up 5.4% compared to the year before.

DATL said the aviation industry made further recoveries in 2024, with commercial aircraft traffic exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

But the company noted “continued variability” in raw material, energy prices and inflation due to the continuing impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and unrest in the Middle East.

DATL said it has made improvements to its supply chain and sourcing strategy to mitigate risk in these areas.

In terms of business environment, the UK tire maker said during 2024 the business grew successfully, despite several challenges, including a cyber-attack on its IT infrastructure.

A £33-million asset-based lending facilities established with estate lender Leumi ABL in 2023 “continue to be operated successfully and provide sufficient liquidity for the business.”

The business also completed a new working capital financing facility with ICBC in China, said DATL.