Denso Invests in Michigan Facility
In an effort to “strengthen its product line-up and support future growth,” Denso has invested nearly $53.6 million in its Battle Creek, Mich., facility. The investment is part of Denso’s 2013 goal of investing more than $1 billion in North America over four years. Denso has purchased two additional buildings, increasing its footprint to more
Australian Bandag Facility Gets Solar System
Bridgestone’s Australia subsidiary Bandag Manufacturing Pty Ltd. in Wacol, Australia, will utilize sunshine to power its operation, according to Tyres & Accessories. The retread plant is installing two 100 kilowatt solar power systems: one on the factory’s roofing, the other at Quality Tyre Sales, its onsite retail business. The system will not only reduce Bandag’s
Fire-Damaged Linglong Thailand Facility Closed for 30 Days
The Bangkok Post reported today that the Linglong Tyre Co. plant in Thailand has been shut down by authorities as they conduct an investigation into the origin of a massive fire that caused an estimated $40 million in damage. The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand ordered a 30-day suspension of activities at the tire plant
Alcoa Expands Wheels Manufacturing Plant in Hungary
Alcoa Wheel & Forged Products expanded its wheel manufacturing plant in Hungary, doubling the company’s capacity in order to meet growing European demand for aluminum truck wheels. “Our investments in forged aluminum truck wheels support Alcoa’s broader strategy to build out our value-add businesses and gain profitable share in growing downstream markets,” said Tim Myers,
Yokohama Announces Layoffs at Virginia Tire Facility
Yokohama Tire Corp.’s manufacturing facility in Salem, Va., has announced “indefinite layoffs” of 31 hourly employees represented by United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1023. According to the tiremaker, the positions make up less than 5% of the workforce at the plant. Tetsuro Murakami, president of Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Virginia stated that “the positions are being phased
Denso Opening Facility in Nashville
Denso is opening a new shipping warehouse in Nashville to help meet increasing sales needs in North America. The company will invest approximately $6.7 million to open a 165,000-square-foot warehouse, it said. The new location – Denso Logistics Nashville Tennessee (DLNT) – is scheduled to open in April 2015. In addition to a new location,
Bada Manufacturing Plant Earns Third GM Supplier Award
Hennessy Industries, Inc.’s Bada wheel weights manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, Ky., was recently named a recipient of the 2014 General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award. The facility is now a three-time winner of the award, having also won in 2012 and 2013. “Bada employees are responsible for our sustained success and good relationship with
Tube Facility Celebrates Golden Anniversary
Bridgestone Americas’ Firestone tube business facility in Russellville, Ark., celebrated 50 years of manufacturing inner tube products with a commemorative event at its location on Oct. 16. The facility produced its first butyl inner tube on Oct. 24, 1964. According to Bridgestone, the Russellville plant is the only remaining tube producer in United States and
Retreader Veteran Seeks Customers for Passenger, SUV, LT Retread Facility
Len Lottridge, of Prema Canada, along with several partners are about to launch Green Arc Tires Manufacturing Inc., a passenger, SUV and LT tire heat cure retreading facility. The group is seeking interested businesses looking for retreaded passenger tires. According to Lottridge, $37 million in funding has been secured and a 400,000 sq. ft. site
Superior Industries International Closing Arkansas Facility
Aluminum wheel manufacturer Superior Industries International will close its manufacturing facility in Rogers, Ark. The closure is part of an initiative to reduce costs and enhance its global competitive position and is expected to save $15 million in labor costs annually, the company said. “This action follows a comprehensive review of the company’s cost position