Bridgestone Corp.'s European manufacturing network is closing two plants and reducing production at all the others in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Béthune plant in France and the Bari plant in Italy will be closed until 6 April.
These plants will operate at a reduced capacity:
- Bridgestone’s Bilbao, Puente San Miguel and Burgos plants in Spain,
- Lanklaar plant in Belgium,
- Stargard and Poznan plants in Poland, and
- Tatabanya plant in Hungary.
Bridgestone says it is making the changes to align its supply "with predicted demand in the current market.
"The company has sufficient product supply to meet customer demand and its distribution centres, plant warehouses and logistics teams will continue to fill orders. The company will continue to evaluate the situation on a need basis."
In the seven European locations that remain operational, Bridgestone says it is taking "appropriate preventive measures in accordance with its protocols for the prevention of occupational hazards, and strictly following the guidance and recommendations of the health authorities in all its work centers. In addition, thorough procedures and checklists to ensure safety in the workplace have been put in place.
"Bridgestone’s chief priority during this unprecedented time is to ensure the well-being and safety of its employees and the integrity of its operations."
On March 19 the tiremaker announced it was shutting down production in North America and Latin America due to the coronavirus.
