Heuver appoints new German account managers
Netherlands-based wholesaler Heuver Tyrewholesale has appointed two new account managers for Germany, Detlev Schwarznecker and Sebastiaan Vlierman.
Based in Japan, Bridgestone Corporation is the world’s largest tyre and rubber company.
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Bridgestone adopts English as a corporate language
In its 2013 medium-term plan, Bridgestone Corporation reported its intention to implement English as an official company language. This measure was also discussed by company CEO Masaaki Tsuya at a press briefing held in Tokyo on 16 October; he said the step was been taken as part of the 2013MTP plan of becoming “truly global”.
Bridgestone campaign supports Dreamworks animation
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has announced a promotional alliance with film production company DreamWorks Animation, supporting its latest 3D comedy, ‘Turbo’. The promotions will give Firestone customers an early opportunity to engage with the film, which features an ordinary garden snail who dreams of competing in the Indy 500. In Europe, where the movie has been screened in cinemas as of this month, Firestone has linked events with trade sell-in promotions and consumer sell-out incentives in several countries, including Spain, Denmark and eastern European markets.
Extra capacity for Bridgestone US plant
Bridgestone Americas has increased daily production at its WarrenCounty truck tyre factory in Tennessee by 900 tyres. Thanks to a US$36.6 million expansion programme, the plant now produces 9,000 medium truck radials per day. Some 45 new jobs were created with the expansion.
Bridgestone outlines tyre SBU consolidation in 2013MTP
Every year, Bridgestone releases a new Mid-Term Management Plan. Each covers a five-year period and incorporates rolling changes. In announcing its 2013MTP, Bridgestone says the latest plan reflects changes in the operating environment since the formulation of the 2012 mid-term plan and incorporates revisions and additional strategies and actions “as deemed necessary.” Amongst the themes covered by the new plan is the restructuring of Bridgestone’s tyre business strategic business units (SBUs).
Giti Tire appoints new marketing manager for southern Europe
Giti Tire has announced the appointment of Lorella Maggiori as marketing manager for Italy and Spain. Formerly of Bridgestone Italy’s marketing department Maggiori will support Corrado Moglia, general manager – southern Europe, and work in partnership with the senior management and marketing teams of each importer across all passenger car, SUV, light truck and truck & bus programmes. Giti says it is currently growing in both countries, seeing both as key European markets.
Bridgestone to close Japanese steel cord plant
Within the coming 12 months, Bridgestone Corporation will close its steel cord facility in Kuroiso, Japan and consolidate production into its remaining Japanese steel cord plant, Saga. The company says these measures will commence immediately and it expects to complete them by late September 2014.
Bridgestone’s guayule research farm complete
Bridgestone Americas’ project to evaluate the guayule plant’s suitability as a source of natural rubber for tyre applications has taken a step forward with the completion of the Agro Operations Guayule Research Farm. The facility in Eloy, Arizona has been set up to supply guayule biomass for rubber production at the company’s BioRubberProcessResearchCenter, which is currently under construction in Mesa, Arizona.
Further capacity for Bridgestone’s Vietnam plant
Although Bridgestone’s new passenger car radial factory in Vietnam has yet to enter operation, the tyre maker has announced the plant’s first capacity increase. An additional 17.9 billion yen (£113.9 million) will be invested to further raise capacity to 49,000 tyres a day by the second half of 2017. This further growth will see the plant’s workforce expand from approximately 1,900 employees in the first half of 2016 to around 3,800 some 18 months later.
Bandag treading new ground with Northern Ireland announcement
After an absence of more than quarter of a century, the Bandag retreading franchise will return to Northern Ireland. Following a management buyout, Portadown-based specialist ADCO Retreads has opted to become a Bandag franchisee; the company aims to consolidate and further grow its business through this step. “ADCO is keen to embrace the Bandag brand […]
Bridgestone OE for Spark EV
The 2014 Chevy Spark EV, now on sale in the US states of California and Oregon and scheduled for release into some European markets, Canada and South Korea, is being supplied with Bridgestone’s Ecopia EP150 tyres as original equipment. Bridgestone says the 140hp 119 combined miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) compact car is fitted with Ecopia EP150 tyres manufactured at its Hikone plant in Japan; size 185/55R15 82T tyres will be mounted on the front wheels and size 195/55R15 85T on the rear.
Milton Keynes MD embarking on an unprecedented journey
Managing director of Milton Keynes based Just Tyres, Ian Grant has embarked on a journey to bring education and aid to thousands of youngsters in Uganda. Grant hopes to provide a comprehensive education programme that will train adults to teach youngsters basic numeracy and literacy skills in Kampala. Having visited in September, Grant pursued plans to create a partnership between Just Tyres and the Kampala Children’s Centre, which provides clothing, food and housing to disadvantaged children.
Bridgestone recognises Rugby’s TW Tyres on 35th anniversary
Bridgestone has presented Rugby fast-fitter TW Tyres with an award recognising the company’s 35 years in business. TW Tyres, based in Paynes Lane, and owner Mike Furner were presented with a cut-glass accolade from the manufacturer to recognise decades of hard work in the town.
Mercedes-Benz Driving Events to run on Bridgestone
Bridgestone has entered into a deal to supply tyres for Mercedes-Benz’s Driving Events, the outfit in charge of all driver training and driving experiences at the German car maker. A range of tyres from the Potenza, Turanza, Dueler and Blizzak ranges will be fitted to the full range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles used during all 36 Mercedes-Benz driving events.
Site secured for Bridgestone’s new Turkish plant
A site has been found for Bridgestone’s second plant in Turkey. On 4 October the company announced that Brisa Bridgestone Sabancı Lastik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş has reached an agreement with Aksaray Province Organized Industrial Zone regarding the acquisition of land for the construction of the new passenger car radial factory.
