Bridgestone to Commence TBR Production at Indore, India Plant

Production of truck and bus radials is scheduled to begin at Bridgestone’s factory in Indore, India. Company subsidiary Bridgestone India Private Limited has announced that, in response to increasing domestic demand, approximately 3.3 billion yen (₤22.9 million) will be invested in preparing for the start of TBR tyre production in the first half of 2011. Production capacity is expected to reach approximately 400 units per day by the second half of 2012.

In India, TBR demand is expected to continue to grow due to the expansion of the expressways and other road infrastructure. This rollout of an improved road network has been paired with the introduction of higher-performance trucks, and therefore the decision has been taken to diversify the product range produced at the Indore site. At present the plant, which commenced operation in March 1998, produces passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyres. Currently some 12,500 tyres per day are manufactured at the 265,000 square metre Indore site, and the facility employs 970 workers. Bridgestone says that by the second half of 2012 an additional 190 or so employees will be engaged in TBR production at Indore.

The Bridgestone Group adds that it will continue to “closely monitor trends in market demand” and is committed to “building optimised production systems in locations that match market needs”.