Bridgestone/Firestone makes major investment in Quebec plant

Bridgestone/Firestone Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of Bridgestone/ Firestone Americas Holding, Inc., is injecting $36 million in its Joliette facility to acquire new equipment for various production lines. The project, which is receiving $2.5 million in financial support from Investissement Qubec, is under way and should be completed by July 2002. Joliette is the company’s sole Canadian tire plant. BFAH plans to use the investment to extend the line of tires it produces (sizes and private brands) for cars, light trucks and sport utility vehicles. “The Quebec government is proud to support the Bridgestone/Firestone Joliette plant since the impact of this project will be very important for Quebec, particularly for the Lanaudiere region. Through this project, Bridgestone/Firestone is not only preserving the 1,000 existing jobs at its Joliette plant, but also stands firmly behind its commitment to the development of the regional economy as it has done for many years”, declared Transport Minister and Joliette MNA Guy Chevrette, on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, Economy and Finance Pauline Marois.

The plant general manager Yves Malouin emphasizes that “this investment truly confirms the Joliette facility as a world-class plant. We’re reaping the rewards of our workforce’s expertise, our close relationship with the union, and our employees’ commitment to producing the highest quality tires.” The 1-million square foot plant produces 15,000 tires daily, of which 90 percent are exported.