Botswana-based 633 Tyres has expanded into Zimbabwe, launching a new retreading facility in Masvingo. Founded by Paul Mlambo, a veteran in the tyre trade, the company aims to provide cost-effective tyre management solutions to the country’s off-the-road (OTR) market, mainly serving the mining sector. Mlambo, a Zimbabwean by birth, brings decades of experience working with various retreading facilities across Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Botswana.
Expanding Retreading Expertise
Mlambo established Six Thirty-Three Tyres Zimbabwe in June 2023, motivated by his desire to support local industries while reducing reliance on imported retreaded tyres. The Masvingo plant faces challenges, including limited retreading capacity—processing up to eight tyres daily—and inconsistent power supply due to load shedding. However, Mlambo is optimistic about the area’s potential.
Masvingo’s location offers strategic advantages. It is roughly 300 kilometres from Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare and 250 kilometres from the Tongaat sugar cane plant. Mlambo sees opportunities for growth once the power supply improves. “With better electrification, we can implement effective marketing strategies and expand our services,” he noted. The plant aims to reduce turnaround times and improve the quality of services, distinguishing itself in a market where wait times often stretch to four or five weeks.
Zimbabwe’s Retreading Market Landscape
Zimbabwe’s tyre market presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. The country generates around 2.4 million used tyres annually, creating a significant demand for retreading. However, cheap tyre imports from China dominate the market, pressuring local retreaders. This has made it difficult for companies like Six Thirty-Three Tyres to compete, especially as many fleet operators opt for lower-cost imports despite their shorter lifespan.
Retreading offers a viable alternative, providing tyres can be reused up to three times, particularly for OTR vehicles and earthmovers. Despite the advantages, OTR retreading services still need to be improved in Zimbabwe. Most local retreaders focus on commercial tyres rather than the more specialised OTR segment.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Mlambo has been using funds from his Botswana operations to support the new venture in Zimbabwe. “Finance has been a challenge, but we are making gradual progress,” he said. Despite these hurdles, he remains committed to offering high-quality retreading services that meet the demands of the local market. He emphasises that choosing retreads over new tyres can reduce costs by up to 60%, making them an economical option for fleet operators.
In 2021, Zimbabwe imported rubber tyres worth $65.6 million, ranking it as a significant global importer. Imports from China, South Africa, and other countries continue to outpace local production, putting pressure on domestic retreaders. Yet, Mlambo believes focusing on quality and strategic service can carve a niche for Six Thirty-Three Tyres.
Looking ahead, Mlambo aims to grow his Zimbabwean operations, leveraging his extensive experience in the industry. With the right conditions, he hopes to elevate Six Thirty-Three Tyres to a leading position in the country’s retreading sector.
