Oveview
The production of tyres in Ethiopia goes back to 1972, when Addis Tyre S.C. (ATC) the first of its kind in the country, was established with a yearly production capacity of 60,000 tyres and 45,000 tubes and a total labor force of 260 people. Major inputs and raw materials for tyre manufacturing are imported from Malaysia, India, China, Indonesia, Egypt and Europe. Natural Rubber is one of the major inputs. After subsequent joint venture formation between Addis Tyre S.C. (Government Owned) and the Slovakian renowned tyre manufacturer, MATADOR A.S. was established in June 2004 and the operation commenced in July 2004 with the hybrid trade name MATADOR-Addis Tyre S.C. However, due to shift in business focus, MATADOR-Addis Tyre S.C. transferred its share to Continental AG on October 23, 2007. Continental AG, the world known German tyre manufacturer company, has bought all Matador holding companies in Slovakia, Russia and Ethiopia. Due to lack of concentration of continental AG, there was no significant progress on the commitment of MATADOR-Addis Tyre S.C. in terms of upgrading the existing Bias tyre technology and commencement of Truck Radial tyre production. Continental AG rather preferred to sale its share to a potential strong national investor who can discharge all joint venture obligations. It was then, that the dedicated and committed investor for the development of Ethiopia, Sheikh Mohammed H. Al- Amoudi, decided to buy the share of Continental AG through one of his group companies, Horizon Plantation P.L.C. in January 2011. Since the ownership transfer the name of the company changed to Horizon Addis Tyre S. C. and currently the Horizon Plantation P.L.C owns 100% share of the company. The future perspective of Horizon Addis Tyre S.C. thus includes, among others, of improving quality and performance of existing nylon products, introducing new product categories. Innovation in manufacturing practices for higher productivity and consistent quality products and developing technical know- how are in the immediate programs of the company.