Bridgestone Americas Inc. officially broke ground today for its Biorubber Process Research Center in Mesa, Ariz., which will lead company research and development in the use of the guayule plant as a potential alternative natural rubber source.

"We’re thrilled to see our months of planning and hard work come to fruition with this groundbreaking," said Bill Niaura, Bridgestone’s director of new business development. “This significant research investment in the Biorubber Process Research Center marries Bridgestone’s commitment to innovation and its environmental stewardship. Our new, remarkable facility will enable us to work to develop an additional domestic and sustainable source of rubber for our products.”

The center was designed by Wadsworth, Ohio-based architectural firm Louis Perry and Associates. Once completed, the center will be home to a staff of 40 researchers and technicians. The 10-acre site will include an 8,400-square-foot office/lab building; a four-platform, 3,500-square-foot shrub prep building; and a 3,100-square-foot mechanical and electrical building.

The first rubber samples for tire evaluations are expected in mid-2015, Bridgestone said.

“We are pleased that a company with the history and reputation of Bridgestone has chosen Mesa for this very important research and development operation,” Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said. “This is the kind of company and type of jobs we strive to have here in Mesa because of the positive impact they have on our community.”