Start of production in soon-to-be expanded areas of Bridgestone’s Warren County, Tenn., plant “is still on target.”
A Bridgestone Americas Inc. spokesperson told MTD that production is slated to start in “ the second quarter of 2025.”
Last August, Bridgestone Americas Inc. announced plans to invest $550 million in the commercial truck and bus tire plant that would expand the facility by 850,000 square feet in order to support the increased capacity.
At the time, Bridgestone said the investment will create 380 new jobs and will "allow for all tires made in Warren to be equipped with RFID tags that enable more efficient asset management and optimization of fleets' investments in tires, including retreading.
"The plant will incorporate technology for digital readiness in tires, including the integration of tire-mounted sensors that support advanced, data-driven insights for more efficient fleet management.
"Bridgestone also will invest in artificial intelligence control technology that increases productivity and the application of knowledge and data in a digital manufacturing environment."
The Warren County plant currently can manufacture 9,400 units per day at full capacity, according to MTD research.
Last year, Bridgestone officials said the company is targeting May 2024 for completion of construction.
"Our production and manufacturing capabilities continue to evolve with our products to meet the needs of our customers," said Scott Damon, chief operating officer, Bridgestone Americas.
