Bridgestone to invest further $27m in Bloomington OTR plant

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Las Vegas, Nevada -- Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations will make an additional investment of $27.3 million (Euro 21.2 million) for a second expansion project at its Bloomington, Illinois off-the-road (OTR) plant.

Most of the investment will go toward new machinery for the production of giant loader tyres (GLT), the tyre maker said in a 25 Sept announcement. The Bloomington plant currently specialises in GLT bias production, making it the ideal location to increase production of these tyres. The expansion will create approximately 47 new jobs.

"The strong demand for giant loader tyres is currently exceeding supply," said Ken Weaver, President, US & Canada Commercial Tire Sales Division, Bridgestone Americas. "This additional expansion will better position us to respond to the continued market demand we expect to see, and to meet global growth in the mining sector."

This announcement follows news in April of a $19.5 million investment in the plant to increase production of tyres used in heavy industry. Most of that investment will also go toward new machinery, is expected to be completed in mid-2013, and will result in at least 40 new jobs, Bridgestone said.

"Both of these announcements help further establish our commitment to this industry and serving the needs of our customers," said Kurt Danielson, President, Bridgestone Commercial Solutions. "We want to confirm our position as a leader in this market, and these expansions are just one step in that process."

The Bridgestone Americas plant in Bloomington, which has been operated by the company since 1994, produces off-the-road tyres and employs 420.

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News release from Bridgestone