Bridgestone Corporation has revealed a substantial ¥25 billion strategic investment to upgrade its Kitakyushu Plant, focusing on the production of off-the-road (OTR) tyres for mining and construction vehicles. This significant investment is part of Bridgestone’s Mid Term Business Plan (2024-2026), aimed at enhancing its premium tyre business while supporting global customers with high-quality and sustainable products.
The Kitakyushu Plant, a strategic global production base for Bridgestone’s OTR tyres, including the acclaimed 'Bridgestone MASTERCORE' series, will undergo substantial equipment upgrades to improve safety, disaster prevention, eco-friendliness, quality, and productivity. The investment underscores Bridgestone’s commitment to maintaining a stable and high-quality supply of tyres, while also advancing production technologies for future generations of its flagship products.
Bridgestone MASTERCORE tyres, known for their ultra-high durability and optimal performance, have already been deployed in approximately 100 mines globally since their launch in August 2020. The continued development and enhancement of these tyres are central to Bridgestone’s strategy to offer customised solutions tailored to the specific needs and operating conditions of each customer’s vehicles.
In addition to product innovation, Bridgestone is expanding its mining solutions to maximise productivity and economic value in mining operations. By integrating strong physical capabilities with digital technologies, such as AI-driven tyre and vehicle data analytics, Bridgestone aims to evolve and expand its mining solutions. This approach is further enhanced by field engineering services and a global service solution network that supports tyre maintenance and optimal use at mining sites.
Recently, Bridgestone introduced a new mining solutions service that optimises tyre maintenance timing and vehicle operation routes using AI-based tyre durability prediction models. This service, which debuted at the Spence copper mine in Chile, represents a significant step forward in leveraging digital technologies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of mining operations.
The Kitakyushu Plant, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, has been operational since June 2009 and employs 575 people. It currently produces 170 tonnes of off-the-road radial tyres per day for mining and construction vehicles. The strategic investment in upgrading this facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, reinforcing Bridgestone’s commitment to contributing to local communities and supporting the realisation of a sustainable society with safety and peace of mind.
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