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Bridgestone plans a total investment of US$ 98 million to Increase Radial Passenger Tyre Production Capacity at its Wuxi Plant in Jiangsu Province, China

April 23, 2009 12:00 by Aarti Nagraj

Bridgestone Corporation announced that, in response to the expected medium-to-long term increase in demand for radial passenger tyres in the China market, it will increase its production capacity at Bridgestone (Wuxi) Tyre Co., Ltd. The Wuxi plant in the Jiangsu province of China produces radial tyres for passenger vehicles.

Bridgestone had applied to the Chinese Authority for investment to increase production, and to strengthen its production capacity after receiving the approval of the Chinese Authority.

Bridgestone intends to begin increased production at the Wuxi plant starting the second half of 2011. The company plans a total investment of US$ 98 million, which will enable it to boost production by 4,200 units per day. This would result in an estimated daily output of 12,000 units.

In addition to bolstering its supply capacity for China market, the Bridgestone Group is continuously developing its infrastructure in order to supply high-quality products that meet local market needs. Including its Wuxi Plant, the Bridgestone Group now has a global network of 48 tyre plants in 22 nations.

Outline of Bridgestone (Wuxi) Tire Co., Ltd.

1. Location: Wuxi, Jiangsu Province （about 120 kilometers west of Shanghai）

2. Company Name: Bridgestone (Wuxi) Tire Co., Ltd.

3. Representative: Michitoshi Sorioka

4. Ownership: Bridgestone Corporation： 100％ (including indirect investment)

5. Established: February 25, 2003

6. Site: About 2.4 hectares

7. Product: Radial tires for passenger vehicles, including ultra high performance (UHP) tires

8. Start of Operation: July 2004

9. Number of Employees: 820 (as of the end of December 2008)

End

About Bridgestone

Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world

Bridgestone Middle East and Africa FZE

Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE (BSMEA) is the headquarters for the Middle East and Africa region. It was set up with the objectives of speeding up decision-making and action and of optimizing regional strategy by identifying market trends close to the customer and market.

Earning the trust and confidence of customers is more than just about supplying the best products. Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE aims to be the best corporate citizen that it can be. Community service is one way of giving back to society. BSMEA’s plans include working together with police agencies, schools and the public sectors in the region by providing seminars to promote and encourage road safety and environmental awareness.

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