Bridgestone Canada Inc. is expanding its Canadian passenger and light truck tire manufacturing facility in Joliette, Quebec, as part of a five-year investment that could total upwards of 300 million Canadian dollars (approximately $250 million). The expansion will help increase plant capacity by 3,000 tires a day.
The company will break ground on the multi-phase expansion of the facility in 2016, and Bridgestone says it will help the plant meet market demand by producing larger diameter tires that fit today's pickup trucks and SUVs, as well as increase productivity and enhance the plant's global competitive position.
New technologically advanced equipment will be phased in over a five-year period in an effort to help the plant support what Bridgestone calls "the significant North American markets" and contribute to improved tire performance. The project will bring daily production to 20,000 tires per day by 2023.
"Our investment in updated equipment and improved manufacturing processes reflects our ongoing commitment to identifying new, cost-effective and innovative ways to serve consumers, dealers and original equipment manufacturers," says Robert Verreault, Joliette plant manager. "Canada continues to represent an important market for our company, and this investment represents a tremendous opportunity for Bridgestone, Joliette, the Lanaudiere region and the North American markets by enhancing the long-term viability of this facility."
Joliette is one of Bridgestone's most environmentally sustainable plants, and the facility produced its 150 millionth tire in 2014. It is the largest private employer in the Lanaudiere region of Quebec. The investment comes as the facility celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2016.
The plant team has achieved numerous awards, including the Productivity Improvement Award and Business of the Year Award by the Federation of the Chamber of Commerce of Quebec, Grande Mention at the Grand Prix Quebecois de la Qualite from the Government of Quebec, Silver Award for Quality at the Canada Awards for Excellence, and Recyc-Quebec Certification – Gold Level 3 certification given by the Government of Quebec to companies that recycle more than 90% of their waste.
Bridgestone Canada is a direct subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Inc.
For more company news, visit www.BridgestoneAmericas.com.
