Bridgestone Americas Inc. will reopen its North American commercial tyre plants on the 13th of April. Its consumer tyre manufacturing plants on the other hand, located in North America and Latin America, are scheduled to reopen the first week in May.
Bridgestone's North American diversified products plants are expected to reopen on April 13, as well.
"The company's start-up plans reflect the performance trend in several key areas of its commercial and diversified products businesses not as severely affected by the current crisis," said company officials, who note that Bridgestone Bandag's retread rubber manufacturing plants in North America resumed operations the week of March 29, due to demand by essential service providers.
"The company continues to work closely with its customers and partners to ensure adequate supply, while closely monitoring volatility in demand.
"The well-being and safety of employees remains the most important priority for the company. To ensure the health and safety of employees, plants resuming operations will do so in alignment with the latest safety protocol guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."
Also See: Bridgestone Halts Tyre Production In Europe
"The start-up of our North American commercial tyre and diversified products operations will allow us to meet the increasing needs of businesses who are going above and beyond to provide essential services in our communities," says Paolo Ferrari, CEO and president, Bridgestone Americas.
"We are mindful of the need for Bridgestone to do its part in providing critical products and services to businesses and agencies doing so much to keep essential workers and goods moving."
Bridgestone also says it has a 'sufficient supply of original equipment and a consumer replacement product to meet customer demand, but continues to align supply to current market demand. The company’s distribution centres, plant warehouses and logistics teams are continuing to fill orders."
