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the traceability of each retread, unders- coring the company’s commitment to its clients.
Next to the retread factory is the rubber tread production factory. This factory runs all day and all night and is the beating heart of their global operation, supplying tread not just for their local retread ope- ration but also for export markets, where Gan tells us expansion is the name of the game. Malaysia is on the front line of all the issues facing the retread market, but Gan is acutely aware that this issue isn’t being faced everywhere, so alongside their current export network, Gan is loo- king to expand. He tells us that there is almost zero risk for retreaders looking at their tread products; after all, his opera- tion is always the first to use any product produced. As we walk through the hulking rubber-compounding machines of his Se- remban factory, it’s clear the operation is rooted in professional and operational excellence. Gan tells us this complete solution minimises the need for external manpower, reduces downtime, and effi- ciently tackles the industry’s labour-in- tensive nature, allowing it to be competi- tive worldwide.
FACING THE FUTURE
Gan acknowledges the challenges ahead, mainly as the industry gravitates towards consolidating players who must enhance their offerings to meet heightened custo-
mer expectations. He advocates re-eva- luating the notion of ‘cheap’, emphasising the hidden costs associated with lower upfront pricing of new tyres that are ge- tting ever easier to produce and export around the globe.
Innovation is a cornerstone of Gan’s vi- sion for Sun Rubber. Emphasising con- trolled operational costs and maximising machine uptime. The company has set a rigorous standard for efficiency in its re- treading and compounding operations. Gan is not content with domestic success alone; he sees significant potential for Sun Rubber in international markets. This ambition is backed by a strong foundation in liner production, a segment traditiona- lly overlooked by Malaysian exporters.
Supporting these international aspira- tions is Ecowise, Sun Rubber Industry’s parent company, known for its commit- ment to recycling and sustainable energy solutions. This partnership hints at future endeavours in tyre recycling, aligning wi- th global sustainability trends.
Gan tells us Sun Rubber exemplifies how dedication to quality, a deep understan- ding of customer needs, and a commit- ment to sustainability can craft a success- ful narrative in a challenging industry. Sun Rubber’s story is one of innovation, adap- tability, and excellence, setting a bench- mark for the future of tyre retreading and rubber compounding in Southeast Asia.
“Sun Rubber’s operation is always the first to use any product it produces, demonstrating the trust it has in its own quality.”
INTERVIEW
STEVEN GAN
P.16