Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. The decision, it said, is in response to the challenging long-term outlook for the European passenger tire market. Bridgestone Corp. is closing its truck, farm and OTR tire plant in Port Elizabeth, citing the unprofitable nature of the 84-year-old factory's bias-ply manufacturing capacity. Please try again,Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles.
Bridgestone says one mine in Canada wants to keep a year's supply of 1,300 tires in stock. The Bridgestone Difference. Your journey forward inspires us to engineer some of the most innovative tires in the world. The head of the powerful CGT union said the company should now return the aid.In announcing the closure this week, Bridgestone argued in a statement that the tire market “is facing many difficulties, without even taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.” The plant specializes in replacement tires, which Bridgestone says are especially exposed to low-cost competition from Asia.Workers waved flares and red union flags at Thursday’s protest, and listened to speakers from the French Communist Party, which helped organize the demonstration. Bridgestone is spending $900 million to construct a new factory in South Carolina for building those giant tires used on the enormous dump trucks you see in open cast mines. Complete your vehicle details and driving requirements to find the best new and replacement tires here. These giant tires … After the tire has cooled each one is individually inspected by an automated testing machine that also checks its balance. It's something that's not possible with aftermarket tires as they are not sold as matched sets. ".Investment in a completely new radial tires plant would not be feasible in the current economic climate, the Midrand, South Africa-based company stated.The decision does not affect the company's 49-year-old car and truck tire plant in Brits, South Africa, whose capacity is radial.As part of the closing process, BSAF has initiated a "section 189" notice and a consultative process in compliance with South African employment regulations. Email your letter to Editor Don Detore at.Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.Staying current is easy with Tire Business delivered straight to your inbox.Tire Business is an award-winning publication dedicated to providing the latest news, data and insights into the tire and automotive service industries.Keep track of rescheduled, canceled industry events with our COVID-affected event tracker - Powered by Snap Finance,Cover-up: More retailers requiring face masks to curb COVID,USW alleges COVID-19 violations at Kumho plant,NTB, Tire Kingdom stores to require face masks,Feds ease restrictions on PPP eligibility for felons,Christy named president of JohnDow Industries,Brembo unveils data-forward vision, new products,Auto market bouncing back quicker than expected,VW offering 'Enliten'-based Bridgestone Turanza on new Golf,Economist sees continued V-shaped recovery,Michelin offering employees discounted share ownership plan,Goodyear launching line of aftermarket brake products,Many Ontario residents lack specific knowledge on tire recycling,McCarthy Tire to close Pa. retail store, consolidate it with HQ store,Sullivan Tire honors 2 more ASE World Class Techs,Commerce has until Oct. 9 to rule on 'sunset' review of China duties,Sri Lankan politician lauds GRI during plant tour,ETRMA welcomes EU's listing of natural rubber as critical raw material,Tire shop manager heading to prison for nearly four years,Nexen Tire, Manchester City extend partnership,Conti's C.A.R.E. "All these technical and economic factors combined have created an environment in which the [Port Elizabeth] factory is unable to continue running, despite all efforts to sustain the operation," according to BSAF CEO Jacques Fourie, who said closing the plant is the "only viable option" to preserve the company's competitiveness and sustainable future for its employees, partners and stakeholders.Do you have an opinion about this story? Learn about the various Bridgestone tire warranties, eligibility and coverage. Tire Business would love to hear from you. These giant tires cost up to $80,000 for a 63-inch diameter tire. Workers protest over the Japan-based company's decision to close the plant and lay off all its nearly 900 workers. Products: Truck and Bus Tires.