Bridgestone EMEIA revealed that production has resumed in all its plants located in Spain (Burgos, Bilbao and Puente San Miguel) and Russia (Ulyanovsk).
The company said that plants were re-opening in Spain and Russia and that several plants across its manufacturing network of Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa will also be slowly ramping up production.
The plants resume production at the backdrop of rejuvinated business and customer needs in market segments – particularly the commercial tyre sector – which is slowly picking up as countries resume movement of trucks and commercial vehicles.
Plunging demand has made these times particularly difficult for tyre manufacturers as many companies prepare operational and financial revisions to prepare for the uncertain times that lie ahead.
Production facilities in Poland (Poznan and Stargard) and Hungary (Tatabanya) have remained operational at reduced capacity, the firm said, however the passenger tyre plant in Bari (Italy) and retreading facility in Lanklaar (Belgium) are anticipated to restart later this month.
Also See: Bridgestone To Reopen Commercial Plants In Americas
The company continues to work closely with its customers and suppliers to ensure adequate supply, while closely monitoring fluctuation in demand, it said in a statement.
“The health and safety of employees remains the most important priority,” it added. “Therefore, Bridgestone is taking the 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 to ensure social distancing and adequate protection of its workforce. In addition, thorough procedures and checklists to ensure safety in the workplace have been put in place before resuming or expanding activities.
“The company continues to monitor the situation closely and abide by the advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as government regulations in countries in which it operates.”
Bridgestone is present in 40 countries across EMEIA, employing more than 22,000 people. The firm boasts of 17 tyre plants in the region, a major R&D centre, and a proving ground. They're also the largest R&D spender in the industry, investing around €800 million every year across the globe.
