Bridgestone to Close Tennessee Tyre Plant, Cut Workforce as Part of Optimisation Plan

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Bridgestone Americas will close its LaVergne, Tennessee, truck and bus radial tyre plant by 31 July 2025, affecting approximately 700 employees.

The closure is part of a broader strategic initiative to optimise its US business footprint and reduce costs. The company will also implement workforce reductions at its Des Moines, Iowa, agriculture tyre plant and across corporate, sales and operations departments.

“Decisions like this are not easy because of the impact it has on our teammates and their families, and at the same time, we are optimising our business footprint for the future,” said Scott Damon, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgestone West and Group President, Bridgestone Americas.

“We are confident that this decision will strengthen our core business, enabling us to operate more efficiently.”

The plant shutdown follows Bridgestone’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations since merging with Firestone in 1988. The company maintains facilities, including plants in Warren County, Tennessee, and Aiken County, South Carolina, and its technology center in Akron, Ohio.

These changes align with Bridgestone’s “business rebuilding 2nd stage” outlined in its Mid Term Business Plan for 2024-2026. Similar optimisation efforts are underway in Latin America, including workforce and production capacity reductions in Argentina and Brazil.

Bridgestone said it will work with regulatory agencies and unions during the transition. The company maintains its commitment to contributing to US society and the economy while strengthening its competitive position in the premium tyre market.

Bridgestone India Presents European Alignment Certificate To ARAI For Rolling Resistance Lab Achievement

Bridgestone India Presents European Alignment Certificate To ARAI For Rolling Resistance Lab Achievement

Bridgestone India has presented the European Alignment Certificate to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), recognising the successful completion of their Rolling Resistance (RR) Lab Alignment. The certificate was presented to Dr Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, by Rajarshi Moitra, Deputy Managing Director of Bridgestone India, during a ceremony attended by senior leaders from both organisations.

This milestone strengthens the partnership between Bridgestone and ARAI, India’s leading automotive R&D institution for testing and standardisation. Rolling resistance plays a crucial role in enhancing fuel efficiency, aligning with both organisations’ commitment to advancing tyre technology. The certification underscores their shared dedication to fostering innovation, improving testing capabilities and promoting sustainable mobility solutions in India.

Yokohama Rubber Achieves 21-Year Streak On FTSE4Good ESG Index

Yokohama Rubber has been recognised for its sustainability leadership with continued inclusion in three prestigious FTSE Russell ESG indexes. The company marks its 21st consecutive year on the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global benchmark for responsible investing. Additionally, it maintains its ninth straight year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Index and fourth year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index – both key indicators of Japanese ESG excellence endorsed by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).

These indexes, developed by London Stock Exchange Group's FTSE Russell, help investors identify companies with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Yokohama Rubber's sustained inclusion reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable business practices.

Hankook Tire Supports 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Round 4

The fourth round of the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series, a racing competition hosted by Italian supercar brand Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A and powered by Hankook Tire, will take place from 18 to 20 July at INJE SPEEDIUM in Gangwon Province. As the exclusive tyre supplier, Hankook Tire continues to elevate Korean motorsports through its partnership with Lamborghini, showcasing its high-performance Ventus racing tyres on the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2.

The 3.91-km INJE SPEEDIUM circuit, featuring 19 corners and a 40-metre elevation change, demands exceptional tyre performance under extreme conditions, including high-speed straights and scorching summer temperatures. Hankook’s Ventus tyres are engineered to deliver superior grip, durability and heat resistance, ensuring peak performance in challenging racing environments.

Beyond the races, Hankook will host the ‘Ventus Experience’, inviting European automotive influencers to test the Ventus Super Sports line and explore its advanced R&D facilities.

The 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo spans Asia, Europe and North America, with six rounds per series. Top contenders will advance to the Grand Final in Misano, Italy, this November, competing for the season championship.

Vaculug Offers Support To UK Net Zero Initiative

Vaculug Offers Support To UK Net Zero Initiative

Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent tyre retreader, has reached out to the Net Zero All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to offer its expertise in supporting the UK’s transition to net zero. In a formal letter, the company expressed its commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions through its circular economy approach to tyre retreading.

As a leader in emission reduction, Vaculug highlighted how its retreading process significantly cuts waste and lowers the carbon footprint of commercial fleets. The company believes its scalable, eco-friendly solutions can play a key role in helping the UK meet its climate targets.

Vaculug has invited collaboration with the APPG to demonstrate how retreading supports sustainable transport and contributes to a greener future. The company looks forward to further discussions on how it can assist in the nation’s net zero transition.