Blizzak Production Starts in China

Bridgestone Corp. has begun manufacturing its Blizzak winter range in China. Celebrating the start of Blizzak production in China.

The tiremaker celebrated the start of Blizzak production in its Tianjin plant this month. The factory, which opened in 2000, recently benefitted from a capacity expansion program that saw output increased from 16,500 units per day to 25,300; it is not clear what proportion of total output will be dedicated to winter tires.

In a press release on the Bridgestone (China) Investment Co. website, the tiremaker said the start of production in Tianjin marks the first time the Blizzak range has been manufactured in a factory outside of Japan.

The Blizzak winter tire range has been sold in China since 2006 and the decision to start local production was taken due to increasing demand. Bridgestone says that within China, the Blizzak range is particularly well-regarded in the country’s northeastern provinces of Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia – regions where snow and ice are serious issues for drivers. (Tyres & Accessories)

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Ryan Waldron as president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

"At Goodyear, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and in Ryan Waldron, we have a customer-centric, execution-focused business leader with a deep understanding of both the marketplace and all aspects of our business, as well as a proven track record of delivering results," Stewart said. "I am thrilled to announce him as president of Goodyear's Americas business and have enormous confidence that under his leadership, both the company and our customers will reach even greater levels of success."