Australia and New Zealand will lose their last tire manufacturing capacity based on Bridgestone Australia’s announcement on Friday that it plans to close its tire plants in Adelaide, Australia and Christchurch, New Zealand. Goodyear shut its tire plant in Somerton, Australia in June, leaving Bridgestone as the only producer in the region. Bridgestone Australia, a unit of Japan’s Bridgestone Corporation, said that, despite cost-cutting efforts, tire production at these plants was not viable because of international competitive forces. The closures will take effect at the New Zealand manufacturing plant by the end of 2009 and at the Australian facility no later than 30th April 2010. Bridgestone Australia will retain its headquarters in Adelaide, continuing its sales, distribution, retail and other business activities throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Here is the full announcement with additional details.
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