Bridgestone US plant reaches production milestone
In its 13 years of operation, the Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations plant in Aiken County, South Carolina has manufactured a tyre or two. Or 100 million. On 14 February the 100 millionth tyre rolled off the passenger car and light truck factory’s production line, and the arrival at this milestone was celebrated by company management, workers and invited guests. The tyre at the centre of the festivities is a Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S; this particular specimen was signed by guests attending the celebration and will be displayed in the plant’s lobby.
“Our teammates here in Aiken are dedicated to making the best products possible every day,” said plant manager John Stewart at the commemorative event. “It’s a reflection of our company’s global philosophy, which we call the Bridgestone Way. We have upheld the same commitment to excellence now for 100 million tyres, and we plan to do the same for 100 million more.”
“Our company takes great pride in the work of our Aiken County teammates,” added Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations’ vice-president of manufacturing, Barry Owens. “Consumers throughout North America have benefited from the quality products these teammates produce and we look forward to serving those consumers well for many years to come with products made right here in Aiken County.”
The Aiken County facility began operations in 1999 and currently employs 950 workers. In 2011, the company announced two phases of expansion for the plant; in total, the expansions represent a capacity increase of 37,750 tyres per day or 13.4 million tyres annually. The first production tyre is projected to be produced in the expansion areas during the second quarter of 2013. The expansion projects are expected to create more than 300 new full-time and contractor jobs when fully completed in 2015.
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