Bridgestone Canada Inc. is expanding its Canadian passenger and light truck tyre manufacturing facility in Joliette, Quebec, as part of a five-year investment that could total CA$300 million (approximately US$250 million). The multi-phase expansion of the facility is expected to break ground in 2016.
The project will help increase plant capacity by 3,000 tyres per day to bring daily production to 20,000 tyres 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,” said 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.”
One of the Bridgestone group’s most environmentally sustainable plants, the Joliette facility produced its 150 millionth tyre in 2014 and is the largest private employers in the Lanaudiere region of Quebec. This significant investment comes as the facility celebrates the 50th anniversary of its opening in 2016.