Decreased Demand Equals a Longer Christmas for Bridgestone Plant

Due to reduced demand for passenger car tyres, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire is halting production at its Wilson, North Carolina factory for a longer period over the Christmas break. Originally the plant was scheduled to operate between December 28 and 30, however the decision has been taken to remain closed between December 24 through to January 1.

“We want to get our inventory back in line,” said plant manager Jim Pridgen. “People just aren’t spending money right now.” Pridgen added that the Wilson plant isn’t as affected to the extent as other tyre factories. “Because we’ve gone through the retooling process, we’re not tied to the original equipment market. It makes us very flexible and valuable to the organisation as a result.” He added that an option for the Wilson plant was to increase its production of aftermarket tyres.

This is not the first cutback at the factory – in October the factory cut out its 4pm to midnight Saturday shift. According to Pridgen, however, the company plans to have plant production back at its full level in April 2009. “We have never had a layoff, and right now, I don’t see the need for one,” he added. The factory is indeed still hiring staff, and will employ 30 to 40 extra people in December.