Bridgestone to realign steel cord manufacturing in Japan

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Bridgestone to realign steel cord manufacturing in Japan
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6 k! p, a, o+ e% r Tuesday, October 22, 2013
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4 |! y! |! X1 \. c: R. yTokyo, Japan - Bridgestone Corporation announced that, in order to strengthen global competitiveness, it will realign the company's steel cord manufacturing sites in Japan. The details of the realignment are as follows: Domestic Japanese steel cord production sites will be consolidated into the Saga Plant. The Bridgestone Group currently produces steel cord used in the manufacture of tires at two sites in Japan: the Kuroiso Plant and the Saga Plant. By consolidating the company's domestic steel cord production to the Saga Plant, Bridgestone will enhance production efficiencies and strengthen its global competitiveness. Consolidation of two plants will begin immediately, and is expected to be completed in late September 2014. Upon completion of the Saga Plant consolidation, the Kuroiso Plant will be closed. Closure of the Kuroiso Plant is expected to occur in late September 2014. Bridgestone has implemented a number of initiatives to help strengthen the competitiveness and overall profitability of the Kuroiso Plant. However, due to intense competition in the steel cord production industry and ongoing competitiveness issues at the plant, the decision was made to close the Kuroiso facility and consolidate production to the Saga Plant. To meet the growing demand for tires and rubber products, the Bridgestone Group will continue to enhance its global product supply system so the group can respond rapidly to market demand trends and continue to supply our customers with high-quality products in a timely manner.