Bridgestone Canada Inc. has announced that it is expanding its Canadian passenger and light truck tire manufacturing facility in Joliette, Quebec, as part of a five-year investment that could total upward of CA$300 million (approximately $250 million). The multi-phase expansion of the facility is expected to break ground in 2016, and will help the plant meet market demand by producing larger diameter tires that fit today’s pickup trucks and SUVs, as well as increase productivity and enhance the plant’s global competitive position.
New technologically advanced equipment will be phased in over a five-year period in an effort to help the plant support the significant North American markets and contribute to improved tire performance. The overall project will help increase plant capacity by 3,000 tires per day to bring daily production to 20,000 tires per day by 2023.
“Our investment in updated equipment and improved manufacturing processes reflects our ongoing commitment to identifying new, cost-effective and innovative ways to serve consumers, dealers and original equipment manufacturers,” said Robert Verreault, Joliette plant manager. “Canada continues to represent an important market for our company, and this investment represents a tremendous opportunity for Bridgestone, Joliette, the Lanaudiere region and the North American markets by enhancing the long-term viability of this facility.”
One of the Bridgestone group’s most environmentally sustainable plants, the Joliette facility produced its 150 millionth tire in 2014 and is the largest private employers in the Lanaudiere region of Quebec. This significant investment comes as the facility celebrates the 50th anniversary of its opening in 2016.
The plant team has achieved numerous awards, including the Productivity Improvement Award and Business of the Year Award by the Federation of the Chamber of Commerce of Quebec, Grande Mention at the Grand Prix Quebecois de la Qualite from the Government of Quebec, Silver Award for Quality at the Canada Awards for Excellence, and Recyc-Quebec Certification – Gold Level 3 certification given by the Government of Quebec to companies that recycle more than 90 percent of their waste.
