Bridgestone mulls Polish expansion

BRUSSELS, Belgium (July 24)—Bridgestone/Firestone Europe is considering a major expansion of its tire plant in Poznan, Poland. A decision about the project will be made by year-end, a company spokesman said. The firm declined to comment on Polish media reports that Bridgestone will invest nearly $50 million and create 200 new jobs under plans to increase production at Poznan by 50 percent. Bridgestone opened the Polish plant in 2001, to serve as a base for supplying original equipment customers such as General Motors Europe, Suzuki, Ford Europe and Volkswagen A.G. The plant employs 540 and has a daily output of 10,000 high- and ultra-high-performance passenger tires, sold under the Bridgestone and Firestone brand names.