Bridgestone Invests 17 billion yen in OTR Expansion

Bridgestone is to invest 17 billion yen (£86 million) in increasing production of large and ultra-large radial tyres for mining and construction equipment. The company plans to spend the money in expanding production at its Shimonoseki, Saga, and Hofu plants. Bridgestone said that the move has been taken in response to growing global demand for this specific type of tyres. The investment is also said to be part of a “sweeping capital spending programme” that the Bridgestone Group is undertaking worldwide.

According to an official statement the investment plans will be centre on Bridgestone’s Shimonoseki plant. Bridgestone’s plans call for construction of new buildings at the Shimonoseki Plant to begin in the latter half of 2005, with construction finishing at the end of 2006. Expansion at Bridgestone’s Hofu plant is likely to follow a similar schedule. The company will begin work on expanding buildings at the Saga Plant in the latter half of 2005. The new production equipment there is due to begin operation in early 2007.