2006-12-21

Bridgestone to Build New Giant OTR Tire Plant…in Japan

For the first time in three decades, Bridgestone Corp. will build a new tire plant in its home country.

Bridgestone announced this morning that it will construct a $270 million giant OTR tire plant in Kitakyushu, Japan, which it plans to open in 2009.
Bridgestone said it has applied for building permits and expects to receive approval by local government officials in early 2007, with groundbreaking set to occur by mid-year. The new plant will be located adjacent to Bridgestone’s Shimonoseki Plant in Kitakyushi.

The new plant will produce giant radials used on mining and construction vehicles. Bridgestone will also increase production capacity of steel cord for mining and construction vehicle tires at its plant in Saga to support the new OTR tire plant.
Bridgestone said actual tire production is slated to begin in the second half of 2009, and capacity will reach 30 tons per day in 2010. Bridgestone also indicated that capacity expansion at the new facility is also possible, based on market needs.

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• Bridgestone range of tyres