The increasingly vibrant national mining and plantation industries have become a magnet for global tire manufacturers. Sailun Group, a Chinese tire manufacturer, is determined not to miss this momentum and is strengthening its penetration into the commercial vehicle and heavy equipment tire segments. The strategy is being implemented through an expanded portfolio of off-the-road (OTR) tires as well as the launch of products manufactured domestically.

This move underscores Sailun’s long-term commitment to supporting the needs of vital industries in Indonesia. The mining and plantation sectors not only contribute significantly to the national economy, but also require reliable supporting components—one of which is tires—to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Mining Expo 2026

Sailun brought several of its leading tire brands to Mining Expo 2026, held at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, from September 9–12, 2026. The portfolio showcased included Sailun Tire, MAXAM, RoadX Tire, and Blackhawk Tire.

Sailun Group President Assistant and General Manager of the Asia Region, Guoqiang Cao, emphasized that Indonesia is one of Sailun’s key markets for business development, particularly in supporting the needs of the mining industry.

Guoqiang added that Sailun is seeking to bring its global technology and manufacturing capabilities closer to the needs of the Indonesian market. The company also aims to strengthen its position as a partner to industry players by providing tires that offer durability and operational efficiency.

Relying on MAXAM for Extreme Terrain

For the mining segment, Sailun is relying on its MAXAM brand, which offers a portfolio of OTR tires. These products are designed for heavy-load vehicles, including those operating in open-pit mines with extreme terrain conditions.

Meanwhile, the Sailun, RoadX, and Blackhawk brands target commercial vehicle applications in a variety of sizes and tread patterns. These products can be used for operational vehicles such as dump trucks and logistics fleets.

Tires: A Cost Component That Cannot Be Ignored

The strengthening of Sailun’s business in these segments is closely linked to efforts by mining and plantation industry players to reduce fleet operating costs. Tires represent a significant cost component in the operation of commercial vehicles and heavy equipment.

Bayu Putra, Marketing Brand Manager at Sailun Group, explained that operating conditions in the mining and plantation sectors make the need for tires with high durability and traction increasingly critical. According to him, fleet owners are often faced with a dilemma between the initial purchase price and long-term costs.

“On the ground, fleet owners face real challenges every day. From thick plantation mud to sharp rocks in mining areas, these conditions can potentially trigger unplanned downtime. This is where tire quality is truly put to the test,” Bayu said.

He noted that tire costs can account for approximately 15%–20% of a vehicle’s total operating costs. Therefore, tire selection should not be based solely on the purchase price, but also on durability and costs throughout the tire’s service life.

“Tires that last longer often come with a higher initial price. But when calculated on a cost-per-hour basis, they can actually be more economical because they reduce replacement frequency and minimize the risk of damage during operations,” Bayu added.

Optimism Amid Challenges

With its strategy of expanding its portfolio and strengthening local manufacturing, Sailun Group is optimistic about reinforcing its position in the Indonesian market. The company also aims to become a strategic partner for mining and plantation industry players in maintaining the smooth operation of their fleets.

“We are not just selling tires. We want to be part of the solution for industry players, ensuring that their operations run smoothly and efficiently,” Bayu concluded.