SALISBURY, Australia (Feb. 6, 2009)—Bridgestone Australia Ltd. is temporarily shutting down its manufacturing plant in Salisbury, South Australia, to reduce inventory holdings in line with consumer demand, the company recently announced.
The plant, which employs about 600 employees, will be taken offline from April 14-27 but no permanent jobs will be affected by the shutdown, with employees accessing leave entitlements, the statement said.
Shawn Hara, Bridgestone Group chairman and managing director, said this step is a reflection of Bridgestone Australia's ability to react quickly and prudently to the current consumer demand to ensure the company protects the long-term viability of its manufacturing business and the jobs of its employees.