Bridgestone Americas Inc. (BSA) has broken ground for its Biorubber Process Research Center, a research and development project in Mesa, Ariz., to investigate the use of the Guayule plant as an alternative natural rubber source.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured key leaders from Bridgestone and the local community, including the Honorable Scott Smith, Mayor of Mesa.
“We’re thrilled to see our months of planning and hard work come to fruition with next week’s groundbreaking,” said Bill Niaura, BSA’s director of new business development.
“This significant research investment in the Biorubber Process Research Center marries Bridgestone’s commitment to innovation and its environmental stewardship. Our new, remarkable facility will enable us to work to develop an additional domestic and sustainable source of rubber for our products.”
The center was designed by Wadsworth, Ohio-based architectural firm, Louis Perry and Associates. Contracting firm Howard S. Wright will be managing construction from its Scottsdale, Ariz., location.
Once completed, the center will be home to a staff of 40 researchers and technicians. The 10-acre site will include an 8,400-square-foot office/lab building, a four-platform, 3,500-square-foot shrub prep building and a 3,100-square-foot mechanical and electrical building. The first rubber samples for tire evaluations are expected in mid-2015.
