Bridgestone sets out new targets under five-year plan

Updated to reflect changes in the operating environment since last year, the latest plan will serve as a roadmap for Bridgestone in optimising its management structures and strategic activities, according to the 17 Oct announcement.

Specific targets within the 2017MTP are for management to “consistently deliver”: growth exceeding the industry average; a ‘return on asset’ of 6%, operating profit of 10%; and a ‘return on equity’ of 12%. Another goal is for each strategic business unit to generate an operating profit of 10%.

On the technology front, the plan includes upgrading the group’s global R&D structure which encompasses major facilities in: Yokohama and Tokyo in Japan, Rome in Europe; Akron in the US; as well as centres in China and Thailand.

2017MTP identifies a number of technology priority areas, including ongoing projects around the development next-generation ‘air free’ bicycle tires, runflat technology, new aircraft tire solutions as well as advances in ICT across the supply chain.

As an example of ‘moving from product solution’, Bridgestone noted that it would start production at new aircraft tire solution bases in Thailand in December 2019. A capacity-expansion project in Japan is, meanwhile, scheduled to be completed by the end of next year.

Bridgestone will also prioritise its work around the development of proprietary catalyst and process technologies to convert isoprene into polymers “surpassing” the performance of natural rubber.