NASHVILLE (Aug. 2, 2012)—Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has purchased a 281-acre site in Eloy, Ariz., to serve as the base of agricultural operations for its guayule research operation being set up in nearby Mesa, Ariz.
Bridgestone did not disclose its investment in the purchase.
“This was an important step in the realization of our guayule research activities, and we are excited to have found a base of operations for our researchers,” said Bill Niaura, director of new business development for Bridgestone Americas Inc.
“Every step we take brings us closer to our ultimate goal of developing new, domestic and sustainable sources for natural rubber; we look forward to breaking ground and getting started soon.”
The research farm will include a multi-purpose office/laboratory building, greenhouses and a farming operation that is positioned to optimize guayule as a commercial crop that produces tire-grade rubber and complements the existing agricultural landscape. Groundbreaking is anticipated in the third quarter of 2012.
The cost of the acquisition wasn't given.