Production of truck and bus radials is scheduled to begin at Bridgestone’s factory in Indore, India.
Company subsidiary Bridgestone India Private Ltd. has announced that, in response to increasing domestic demand, approximately 3.3 billion yen (22.9 million) will be invested in preparing for the start of TBR tire production in the first half of 2011. Production capacity is expected to reach approximately 400 units per day by the second half of 2012.
In India, TBR demand is expected to continue to grow due to the expansion of the expressways and other road infrastructure. This rollout of an improved road network has been paired with the introduction of higher-performance trucks, and therefore the decision has been taken to diversify the product range produced at the Indore site.
At present the plant, which commenced operation in March 1998, produces passenger car and light commercial vehicle tires. Currently some 12,500 tires per day are manufactured at the 265,000-square-meter Indore site, and the facility employs 970 workers.
Bridgestone says that by the second half of 2012 an additional 190 or so employees will be engaged in TBR production at Indore.
Bridgestone adds that it will continue to “closely monitor trends in market demand” and is committed to “building optimized production systems in locations that match market needs.” (Tyres & Accessories)
