TOKYO (May 1, 2009)—Bridgestone Corp. said it temporarily will close its four factories in Mexico because of the swine flu outbreak, after being asked to do so by the Mexican government.
A company spokesman in Japan said the plants won't open today, and will remain closed until May 5, in accordance with government instructions. The firm expects to resume production on May 6, but is awaiting word from Mexican authorities.
The spokesman said the action isn't related to the current decline in global tire sales.