French government willing to invest in Bridgestone Bethune rescue

The French government is willing to partner with Bridgestone to save to the Bethune tyre factory the Japanese tyre manufacturer is planning to close.

According to multiple news sources, Industry Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher , who is examining options for saving jobs and keeping the factory open, said: “If we can find a deal with Bridgestone, we would be willing to put in the money. We are asking company managers to consider all possible scenarios, without exclusions, and we are ready to participate in investments to give the Bethune plant a future ”.

The comments, which emerged during the week commencing 12 October, did not feature detailed plans to the extent of the possible investment support, but did suggest a roundtable with Bridgestone would be taking place.