Bridgestone Americas is expanding the company’s Wilson, N.C., passenger tire manufacturing facility.
The expansion is part of a five-year, $164 million investment to meet market demands and invest in newer, more efficient technology, Bridgestone said. The multi-phase expansion of the plant is expected to break ground in early 2016.
Phases one and two, which will total nearly $100 million, will focus on the addition of 167,000 square feet of manufacturing space for the facility. The space will help accommodate new equipment to increase plant capacity by 3,000 tires per day, bringing daily production to 35,000 by 2018, Bridgestone said. The new equipment will also 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 of Bridgestone’s 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 underwent its last expansion in 1999, when 85,000 square feet were added to the facility. At 42 years in operation the manufacturing plant has won numerous safety awards and recognition for its environmental efforts, Bridgestone said.
