Leader Rubber Company (part of the Marangoni Group) has officially resumed full production at its Johannesburg facility following extensive damage to its mixing department in a late-2024 fire. The rebuild brought upgraded equipment, an optimized layout, and improved efficiency—allowing the plant not just to recover, but to emerge stronger. 

Fire, Recovery & Facility Upgrades

At the end of 2024, a fire destroyed the mixing department of Leader Rubber’s Johannesburg plant—critical because mixing is central to creating precure compounds for tyre retreading. 

During reconstruction, Leader maintained operations in other units to avoid a total shutdown. The rebuild incorporated new machinery, efficiency enhancements, improved workflow design, and safety upgrades. 

Now back to full capacity, the facility is better equipped to meet demand in South Africa and the retreading sector as a whole. The restart also underscores resilience and strategic investment in stronger operations.

Leader Rubber Company, part of the Marangoni Group, has officially resumed full production at its Johannesburg facility after a fire at the end of 2024 caused severe damage to its mixing department. Despite the incident, the company maintained operations throughout the rebuilding process, thanks to swift response from its team and support from partners and customers.

The reconstructed facility is not only back in operation but has also been modernised. New equipment, an improved layout, and optimised processes are expected to enhance efficiency and strengthen the company’s ability to serve the tyre retreading sector in South Africa and beyond.

Marangoni Group representatives highlighted the resilience and commitment demonstrated by Leader Rubber during the recovery phase. At the same time, the company’s management emphasised that the upgrade represents an opportunity to deliver even greater value to the industry.

This development marks a significant milestone for both Leader Rubber and the Marangoni Group, underlining their dedication to sustainability, performance, and efficiency in the global retreading market.

Read more on Marangoni’s LinkedIn.

Learn more:

• Tire Pyrolysis Project
• Pyrolysis Oil Fuel Credits
• Tyre Pyrolysis Guide
• Plastic Pyrolysis Solutions
• Tire Pyrolysis Plant Setup
• Tire Retreading & Remanufacturing

Rebuild Stronger, Lead in Circular Tyre Solutions with Klean

Resilience. Efficiency. One Partner That Helps You Scale.

Leader Rubber’s comeback is more than restoration; it’s a transformation. Klean Industries can partner with you in plant redesign, process validation, performance optimization, and circular materials integration, so your facility not only recovers but also leads.

Klean’s Strategic Support in Retreading & Facility Upgrades:

✅ Process audit & redesign support
✅ Equipment selection & layout optimization
✅ Material integration for recycled feedstocks
✅ Quality assurance & accreditation alignment
✅ Advisory from rebuild to full commercial ramp

With Klean’s domain depth in tyre systems and recycling, your recovery or upgrade project can be future-proofed and performance-driven.

Ready to upgrade, recover, or future-proof your tyre facility?

Talk to a Klean Industries Tyre Retreading & Process Expert » GO.