The Brazil-based Camaçari tire plant in the state of Bahia will benefit from a R$270m investment from Bridgestone Brazil to enable the manufacturer to keep up with the growing global demand for its tire products.
The investment will see the second phase of the facility expansion and modernization carried out to further increase production capacity, with the company preparing for growth in the areas of electric and hybrid vehicle tires. Bridgestone will introduce the very latest manufacturing technologies in addition to applying industry 4.0 concepts which include artificial intelligence systems. The tire maker will also apply knowledge and data to improve the facility’s digital manufacturing environment.
Opened in 2006, the facility currently employs over 1,300 people. Between 2006 and 2020 Bridgestone invested nearly R$1.5bn in expanding the facility.
“This investment is part of our strategic plan for sustainable growth in Brazil, focused on the premium tire market and the production of tires for more sustainable and electric/hybrid vehicles, which reinforces our commitment and the country’s strategic position for the company’s global business,” said Vicente Marino, president, Bridgestone Latin America South. “This expansion is also a major capability play for Bridgestone, as we look to deliver on a sustainable solutions journey with products that will be incorporated with digital readiness.”
