Bridgestone Americas has opened its first giant off-road radial tire plant. Based in Aiken County, South Carolina, the 1.5 millionft² manufacturing facility produces various off-road radial tire products used to equip heavy haul trucks in mining and aggregates applications. Approximately 350 people work at the new plant and an additional 200 positions will also be created when the location reaches full production in the next two to three years.
The facility was constructed with many sustainable features and materials; it is built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver construction specifications. In addition, sustainable and advanced technologies from Firestone Building Products, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, were used throughout the facility. The new plant relies on UltraPly TPO roofing, ISO 95+ insulation, UnaFoam insulated metal wall panels, pavers and geomembrane for retention ponds and water harvesting areas.
“Bridgestone has made significant investments in technology and training to ensure we are producing the world’s leading off-road radial tires in North America,” said Kazuhisa Nishigai, COO. “We remain highly committed to our mining customers around the globe and will continue to make the right investments for this important segment of our business.”
