Belshina Tires, officially known as OJSC Belshina, stands as one of Europe's largest tire manufacturers and a cornerstone of Belarus's automotive industry. Based in Bobruisk, Belarus, the company produces over 300 tire sizes for a wide range of applications, including passenger cars, trucks, mining vehicles, agricultural machinery, and construction equipment. Founded in the 1960s during the Soviet era, Belshina has evolved from a state-planned enterprise into a modern joint-stock company, emphasizing innovation, import substitution, and international exports. Despite facing sanctions and geopolitical challenges, Belshina sold over 4.2 million tires in 2024 and continues to invest in new technologies, such as robotic systems and eco-friendly designs, while exploring markets in Africa and Asia.
Founding and Early Development (1960s–1980s)
The origins of Belshina trace back to the Soviet Union's industrial expansion plans. On March 25, 1963, the Council of Ministers of the USSR issued Decree #299, sanctioning the construction of the Belarusian Tire Works in Bobruisk to utilize the local workforce more effectively. This was followed by a resolution from the Supreme Soviet of the Belarusian SSR on June 11, 1965, formalizing the project.
Production milestones marked the company's early years. The first Belarusian tire, designed for a BelAZ mining truck with a 27-ton capacity, rolled off the line on December 31, 1971. The farm tire plant commenced operations on December 31, 1972, followed by the truck and car tire plant on September 30, 1976. By January 31, 1985, a fourth facility—the earthmover tire plant—was added, expanding Belshina's capacity to meet the demands of heavy industry and agriculture in the USSR.
During this period, Belshina focused on producing durable tires for Soviet machinery, establishing itself as a key supplier for vehicles like BelAZ dump trucks and agricultural tractors.
Restructuring and Post-Soviet Growth (1990s–2000s)
The dissolution of the Soviet Union brought significant changes. In May 1992, the State Committee on Industry of Belarus transformed the enterprise into Belarus Tyre Works Belshina. A decade later, on September 26, 2002, it was registered as an open joint-stock company (OJSC) by the Mogilev Province Executive Committee, with official registration on September 27, 2003. This shift from state ownership to a joint-stock model allowed for greater operational flexibility and investment.
By the mid-2000s, Belshina operated three factories spanning 173.6 hectares, employing around 12,000 staff and producing over 200 tire sizes. Investments in modernization, including in-house tire mold-making by 2012, enhanced efficiency. The company also pursued international certifications, such as the Standard Nasional Indonesia (SNI) for radial tires in 2011, and formed joint ventures, like one with Serbia's Trayal in 2012 for tire production aimed at Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian markets.
A major milestone was the production of the 100 millionth passenger car tire in 2010, underscoring Belshina's growing focus on consumer markets.
Innovation and Expansion (2010s)
The 2010s saw Belshina prioritize technological advancements. In 2013, the company developed new lines: Artmotion for passenger cars, Escortera for trucks and buses, and Bravado for light trucks. Serial production of studded Artmotion Spike tires, Astarta for SUVs, and Forcerra for dump trucks began in 2014, along with Galero Agro agricultural tires and 18-inch passenger models.
In 2015, Belshina created tires for the Geely car factory (Bel-295, 225/65 R17). Innovation peaked with the release of the first radial tubeless tire (40.00R57, Bel-350) in 2016 and the massive 59/80R63 Bel-190 in 2017—the largest tire produced in Belarus, weighing 5.7 tons and over 4 meters tall, rivaling products from Bridgestone and Michelin. Testing of these super-large tires on BelAZ-75710 trucks occurred in Russia in 2018.
Exports grew, with 60% of production heading to Russia by the decade's end, and efforts to boost presence in markets like Canada in 2009 extended into the 2010s.
Recent Developments and Challenges (2020s–Present)
Entering the 2020s, Belshina accelerated product innovation, releasing its first 19-inch rim passenger tires (Astarta SUV Bel-340) in 2022. Over the last five years, more than 120 new models entered production, with 66 focused on import substitution in the past three years, including low-profile tires (17-20 inches), premium lines, electric vehicle tires, and ULTRA FLEX agricultural models.
In 2024, the Artmotion All Seasons tire won "Product of the Year" in the "Discovery of the Year" category, and Belshina introduced the Artmotion PREMIUM line featuring Belarusian cultural motifs and GREEN Magic technology for better traction and fuel efficiency. From September 1, 2024, ultra-high-strength metal cord was adopted in all passenger tires, reducing weight by over 3% and fuel consumption by up to 2.5%. The company also sponsored the MAZ-SPORTauto team in the Silk Way Rally.
Investment projects include a radial industrial tire initiative (25-29 inches) nearing completion, with 16 new models and a $33 million annual capacity target, and a $19.3 million expansion for passenger tires planned for 2025–2026. Automation reached 95%, with robotic systems enhancing productivity.
Challenges arose from Western sanctions; in 2024, Belshina supplied tires to the Russian army while contesting EU restrictions. Despite this, sales exceeded 4.2 million units in 2024, with plans to master over 100 new types in 2025 and pursue collaborations, including with China's Sailun. Exports target Kazakhstan, Iran, Pakistan, and emerging African markets like Egypt and Zimbabwe.
Conclusion
Belshina Tires' journey from a Soviet-era factory to a dynamic global player reflects Belarus's industrial resilience. With roots in heavy-duty mining tires and expansions into premium passenger and eco-friendly models, the company has navigated economic transitions, sanctions, and market shifts. As of 2025, Belshina remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and export growth, supplying giants like BelAZ and MAZ while blending quality with cultural heritage in its designs. Looking ahead, its focus on new markets and technologies positions it for continued success in the competitive tire industry.