For the first time in history, Liberia is set to produce Made-in-Liberia car tires
Liberia is set to produce its first-ever Made-in-Liberia car tires, marking a major industrial breakthrough for the country.
The project, led by businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva (Jeety), is expected to create jobs, boost local manufacturing, and reduce the nation’s dependence on imported tires.
Jeety, who has lived in Liberia for over 40 years, expressed his deep love for the country, saying that although he holds an Indian passport, his heart belongs to Liberia.
He emphasized his wishes to be cremated in Margibi County when he passes away – a testament to his strong bond with the nation.
This milestone positions Liberia to not only meet local demand but also export car tires globally, signaling a new era for the country’s industrial growth.
Indian businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva, known as Jeety, reopened the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) plantation in Margibi County, Liberia, in October 2024 after his company, Jeety Rubber LLC, acquired it from its previous owner, Socfin.
The company, now a subsidiary of the Jeety Conglomerate, fully resumed operations and re-employed hundreds of Liberian workers who were laid off following violent protests under the former management.
SRC was previously owned by Socfin, a Belgian-French agricultural conglomerate.
In mid-2024, Socfin decided to sell the plantation after years of financial losses and worker unrest over poor housing and medical conditions.
Jeety Rubber LLC purchased SRC in August 2024. The acquisition was considered a strategic move, as Jeety’s nearby rubber processing factory had been struggling to acquire enough raw materials.
Since taking over, Jeety Rubber has launched projects to improve the lives of its workers, including replacing older housing units with new concrete homes and providing better healthcare and education.
The purchase of SRC, Liberia’s fourth-largest rubber producer, is expected to boost Jeety Rubber’s processing capabilities and production of finished rubber products, including tires and gloves.
The reopening is projected to significantly boost Liberia’s rubber industry and economy, creating jobs and increasing tax revenue for the government.
Despite the improvements, some community representatives have raised concerns that Jeety has not yet engaged with them to address long-standing grievances related to land and resource usage that existed under the previous ownership
Courtesy of Shine Liberia
