Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC (BFNT) will invest at least $12 million in its Bloomington, Ill., OTR tire plant over the next five years, which will enable the plant to produce new OTR sizes.
The investment also will double the plant's giant loader tire curing capacity, say BFNT officials.
"We will continue to invest in our key facilities where there is stability, high productivity and an opportunity to make a reasonable
return on investment,” says Shawn Rasey, vice president, Bridgestone Firestone Off Road Tire Co.
"We are expanding our capacity to meet our customers’ requirements now and in the future."
Curing presses are being brought in, according to BFNT officials. "Additional projects that will allow the plant to produce new sizes and types of off road tires are currently under review and those details are expected to be finalized in the near future."
Employees at the Bloomington plant recently approved a labor contract extension through 2012. Nearly 50 jobs will be added to the facility during 2008 due to BFNT's investment.
