Bridgestone Corporation, one of the world’s leading rubber manufacturers announced its plans to begin the production of truck and bus radial tyre (TBR) in India. With an approximate total investment of about $36.7 million, the production is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2011. By the second half of 2012, Bridgestone expects to acquire a production rate of about 400 units per day.
One of the reasons for the firm to make this move is the rising demand for TBR tyres all over the country. This is due to the expansion of expressways and other road infrastructure. This is the result of economic growth in the nation. Another reason for the rise in demand for these tyres is the introduction of higher – performance trucks. The operations at the company’s Indore plant will be expanded in order to produce the new TBR tyres. The plant presently manufactures passenger car and light truck tyres.
Mr. H. Tanigawa, Managing Director, Bridgestone India Pvt. Ltd. said, “India is growing rapidly, and its potential seems to be unlimited. Therefore our decision to produce TBR is in response to ever increasing demand in Indian market. We are now going to put more focus on Indian market than ever, and are looking for newer possibilities to grow in terms of volumes & numbers.” He also stated, “Further the TBR production will also generate an additional employment for approximately 200 people.”