How DRC Became One of Vietnam’s Leading Tire Manufacturers Since 1975
December 25, 2023, marks a significant milestone for Da Nang Rubber Joint Stock Company (DRC) as it celebrates its 48th anniversary. Over nearly five decades since its founding on December 25, 1975, DRC has transformed from the former US military’s tire factory into a pioneering leader in Vietnam’s tire manufacturing industry.
Developing From an Early Tire Factory to a Leading Tire Manufacturer
DRC traces its origins to the tire production facilities left behind by a US military factory in Da Nang, Vietnam. The company was established in 1975, shortly after the Vietnam War, utilizing the existing infrastructure to launch tire manufacturing. In the first decade, DRC focused on rebuilding and expanding production capacity to become a global tire manufacturer. Early investments included:
- 1987: Installed a mixing line imported from Italy and Japan.
- 1989: Established capacity to produce 20,000 tons of tires per year.
By the 1990s, DRC exported its tires while supplying the domestic market. The company continued to modernize its capabilities:
- 2005: Added a radial tire production line.
- 2009: Expanded capacity to 44,000 tons of tires per year.
Entering the 2010s, DRC invested in new factories and technologies:
- 2016: A steel cord rolling line from Italy was added to produce high-strength tire materials.
- 2017: Constructed a new $35M rubber mixing plant, increasing mixing capacity by 50%.
Today, after 48 years of steady growth, DRC has been transformed into one of Vietnam’s largest tire producers:
- Owns seven enterprises with 272,606 sq meters of production space.
- Employs over 2,300 skilled workers.
- Has 1,187 billion VND in charter capital.
- Achieved 5,139 billion VND in revenue in 2022, with 3,059 billion from exports.
- Ranked in Vietnam’s Top 75 global tire manufacturers.
Focus on Innovation and Advanced Tire Engineering
A key ingredient in DRC’s journey from humble beginnings to tire industry leader has been a commitment to continuous research, development, and introduction of innovative new products. Notable milestones include:
- 2018: First tire company in Vietnam to manufacture industrial tires for port operations and mining.
- 2019: Pioneered a new generation of tubeless bicycle tires.
- 2021: Launched the proprietary DSTAR tire line for trucks and buses featuring fortified construction.
If used under the same road, weight load, and weather conditions, DRC truck tires last longer than any other tires. DRC uses BDEI technology, developed in Finland and Europe, to produce truck tires that 100% meet US standards and those of different countries.
Celebrating DRC’s Position Among Top Tire Companies
DRC’s presence at major events like the SEMA Show in the USA underscores its global reach and commitment to excellence. As DRC continues to innovate and expand, it remains a beacon of tire manufacturing prowess, celebrating 48 years of success and looking ahead to an even brighter future.
