Bridgestone aiding Burgos plans with high-capacity logistics centre

Bridgestone EMEA has officially opened a new “smart logistics facility” for tyre storage at its Burgos site in Spain. The more than 44,500 square metre ‘Tizona’ facility enables the company to store more than 800,000 tyres in one location. Billed as one of Bridgestone’s “most significant logistics centres in Europe” and the result of an investment exceeding 40 million euros, Tizona represents for the tyre maker a “large boost to the growth and development of its facilities in Burgos.” The centre’s opening creates more than 50 direct jobs.

Sharing a few details about Tizona, Bridgestone says that the facility incorporates the “latest technologies available in the sector” as well as various innovations that the company developed itself just for this project. It adds that these features ensure the new logistics centre is at the “forefront of logistics management.”

Increased export capacity

“With 10 metres of storage height, 24 loading docks, and over 31 truck holding zones, Tizona enables enhanced productivity, more efficient goods processing and redefined storage capabilities,” states Bridgestone. “Thanks to the new centre, Bridgestone is significantly increasing its export capacity, and strengthening the sales and distribution capabilities of Burgos’ production nationally and internationally – making the facility a benchmark in the industry.”

As evidenced by the ‘very good’ BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating the facility has achieved, Bridgestone speaks of making a “commitment to combine innovation, quality, and a positive environmental impact” when establishing Tizona. It developed the centre in collaboration with logistics-industrial real estate developer Panattoni, using “a selection of high-quality and sustainable materials.”

Sustainability will also be a key focus in the centre’s day-to-day operations, thanks to a myriad of sensors that ensure efficiency in transportation and responsible consumption. Tizona also features a rooftop installation of photovoltaic panels that can generate up to 100 KWp of electric power for self-consumption, contributing to the building’s energy efficiency.

Greener & smarter

“This investment fits in our strategic vision of promoting greener and smarter operations, where automation plays an instrumental role to become more efficient and sustainable,” comments Jerome Boulet, vice president supply chain EMEA at Bridgestone. “Tizona is boosting an integrated and stronger supply chain in Europe, contributing to our customer commitment to serve them with superior quality. We are proud to inaugurate this state-of-the-art facility that showcases our innovation and leadership in the tyre industry.”

Technology for intelligent loading and unloading operations includes electronic systems that manage data in real-time to provide, says Bridgestone, the highest flexibility as well safety and fire prevention standards (level 9). The logistics centre’s infrastructure also enables the future development of Bridgestone’s first high-bay warehouse in Europe, an automated, self-supporting vertical space that allows for the highest storage standards.

Joining the opening of these facilities were the Spanish Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, the President of Castilla y León, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, and the Mayor of Burgos, Cristina Ayala.

Facilitating premiumisation plans

Bridgestone expresses a commitment to “driving forward the development and sustainability of the Burgos plant.” It recently announced an investment plan for the site of up to 207 million euros to 2030, boosting automation, vulcanisation, and logistic flexibility. With this investment, Bridgestone anticipates evolving the factory towards predominantly manufacturing 18-inch and above “premium large-diameter HDR tyres.” The tyre maker expects productivity in this segment to increase by more than 20 per cent.

Tizona will play a critical role in the transformation of the Burgos facilities by increasing stock capacities for the more than 11 million passenger vehicle and original equipment tyres manufactured annually at the. “Tizona represents a glimpse into our future as a company in Europe and the rest of the world, demonstrating our strong ambition to combine technology with human talent,” says José Enrique González, vice president of Bridgestone Europe South.

“Together with the earlier announced investment of up to 207 million euros by 2030 in the production plant, the new warehouse is a testimony to the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, combining a positive impact on our environment as well as ensuring a boost to our business and the region,” adds González. “At Bridgestone, we are excited about these next steps, marking a new era in growth, and sustainability.”