Additional investment for Bridgestone Americas agricultural plant

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has earmarked a further US$74 million for capacity expansion at its Des Moines, Iowa agricultural tyre plant. This latest investment at the tyre maker’s main North American agricultural tyre facility follows a $77 million investment announced in March 2010; Bridgestone says the two projects confirm its “commitment to maintaining its leadership position in the agricultural tyre industry” and will help the plant meet growing demand for tyres that provide better traction and an increased footprint.

The investment at the facility will be used to enhance the core manufacturing areas of tyre building, curing and necessary support equipment, and will allow the company to meet growing North American and global demand for Firestone-brand radial agricultural tyres. These upgrades are expected to be completed in 2013.

“Enhancements to the Des Moines facility will allow us to grow our market position, develop advanced solutions and deliver the most innovative tyre technology available to the agricultural industry,” said Ken Allen, president, Agricultural Tire, US & Canada Commercial Tire Sales division, Bridgestone Americas. “This investment is also a great way to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Harvey Firestone’s introduction of the first pneumatic tyre specifically for agricultural use. Since 1932, the Firestone brand has continued to build on this leadership position and on the tyre technology that revolutionised farming.”

The Des Moines facility has been in service since the mid 1940s and employs 1,673 people. In addition to manufacturing Firestone-brand agricultural tyres, the plant also produces tyres for the forestry and construction equipment markets.