Bridgestone temporarily closes, slows tyre production at European factories
Bridgestone’s tyre plant in Stargard, Poland remains open, but is operating with a reduced capacity
Bridgestone EMIA will either temporarily close or reduce production plants across its European manufacturing network in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its Béthune plant in France and the Bari plant in Italy will be closed until 6 April.
Bridgestone’s Bilbao, Puente San Miguel and Burgos plants in Spain, Lanklaar plant in Belgium, Stargard and Poznan plants in Poland, and Tatabanya plant in Hungary will all be running at a reduced production capacity.
Bridgestone states that the changes are being made to align Bridgestone’s supply with predicted demand in the current market. It added that it has “sufficient product supply to meet customer demand and its distribution centres, plant warehouses and logistics teams will continue to fill orders.” It added that it will “continue to evaluate the situation on a need basis.”
Preventative measures at operational plants
In the locations that remain operational, Bridgestone states it 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 in all its work centers. In addition, thorough procedures and checklists to ensure safety in the workplace have been put in place.”
Bridgestone previously told Tyres & Accessories that it had restricted domestic and international business travel as a precautionary measure, while office workers were working from home. In addition to the alignment of supply with the drop in demand in the market, its representative told T&A: “In some regions, technical unemployment measures are also being put in place for employees in office, sales and retail functions.”
In conclusion, Bridgestone said that its “chief priority during this unprecedented time is to ensure the well-being and safety of its employees and the integrity of its operations.” Its statement added that it will continue 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 has reduced capacity at seven plants in Europe, including Tatabanya, Hungary
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