Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations is expanding the company's Wilson, NC, passenger tire manufacturing facility as part of a five-year, $164 million investment to meet market demands and invest in newer, more efficient technology. "The multi-phase expansion of the 42-year-old facility, which is one of the company's most environmentally sustainable plants, will improve the plant's global competitive position by installing leading edge technology, expanding production capacity and lowering costs," said a company spokesperson.
Phases one and two, which will total nearly $100 million, will focus on the addition of 167,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space to accommodate new tire assembly machines, materials handling systems, curing presses and associated equipment to increase plant capacity by 3,000 tires per day, bringing daily production to 35,000 by 2018. The new equipment also will allow the plant to respond to the increase in global demand for higher rim size tires, as well as improve quality and productivity while reducing costs.
"Our production and manufacturing capabilities must evolve with our products to meet the changing needs of today's consumers," said Michael Darr, Plant Manager, Wilson plant. "Our investment in updated equipment and improved manufacturing processes and facilities reflects our focus on maintaining our global competitiveness, as well as our commitment to the Wilson community."
The Wilson plant currently manufactures 32,000 passenger tires a day. "It was the first Bridgestone tire manufacturing facility to produce run-flat tires, and in 2016 began producing the company's DriveGuard tires, the first full line of premium, all season replacement tires engineered to go up to 50 miles to safety after a puncture," said the spokesperson.
For more information contact:
Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
3001 Firestone Pkwy.
P.O. Box 1139
Wilson, NC 27893
252-291-4275
www.bridgestoneamericas.com