Bridgestone expanding larger-rim capacities in Japan

TOKYO—Bridgestone Corp. is planning to invest $180 million through 2028 at three Japanese tire plants to expand capacities for larger rim-diameter passenger tires, especially those 20 inches and larger.

The investment plan will boost daily capacity for said tires by 3,000 tires collectively at plants in Hikone, Tosu, and Tochigi, Bridgestone said, or roughly 3.5 percent of existing capacity at the factories.

The initiative aims to strengthen and expand Bridgestone's global production of "ultra" larger-rim diameter car tires. with Japanese manufacturing positioned as the "core" of global operations.

Bridgestone said it aims to enhance its premium tire business with technologies like its "Enliten" light-weighting technology, which is designed to improve environmental and performance characteristics of tires and which Bridgestone calls the "new premium in the electric vehicle era."

The company also will employ its Bridgestone Common Modularity Architecture manufacturing technology at the facilities to streamline production and reduce costs.

By enhancing Japan's R&D manufacturing power, Bridgestone said it aimed to further strengthen its earning power and global competitiveness.

The expansion, part of Bridgestone's 2024–26 mid-term business plan, is scheduled to begin in early 2025 and finish by year-end 2028.

Bridgestone stressed that the investment/expansion will reinforce its approach in the original-equipment sector toward OE fitments for premium and prestige standard vehicle models as well as premium EVs along with meeting growing aftermarket demand for such products.

These technologies align with the group's strategy to support the growing electric vehicle (EV) market and "premium OEMs".

The Hikone plant, in Shiga Prefecture, has been operational since 1968 and currently has the capacity to produce 55,600 passenger tires per day.

Bridgestone's facility in Tosu, Saga Prefecture, operational since 1970, has the capacity to produce 18,800 passenger tires daily.

The Tochigi unit in Tochigi Prefecture manufactures 12,300 tires per day, covering a broader range including truck and bus tires.

Bridgestone did not comment on the project's potential impact on employment at the three factories.