Bridgestone EMEA has announced that several plants across its manufacturing network will slowly ramp up production in response to business and customer needs. As of April 18, production has resumed in all plants located in Spain (Burgos, Bilbao and Puente San Miguel) and Russia (Ulyanovsk), Stefano Sanchini, regional managing director, Bridgestone MEA, disclosed. The passenger tire plant in Bari (Italy) and retreading facility in Lanklaar (Belgium) are anticipated to restart later this month, he added. Production facilities in Poland (Poznan and Stargard) and Hungary (Tatabanya) have remained operational throughout this period, but running at reduced capacity, he pointed out. The restart plans reflect the demand trend seen in several of Bridgestone EMEA's market segments, including OEM passenger tires and the commercial sector – which has been less severely affected by the economic downturn, Sanchini averred. Bridgestone EMEA continues to work closely with its customers and suppliers to ensure adequate supply, while closely monitoring fluctuation in demand. The health and safety of employees remains the most important priority, he emphasized. Therefore, Bridgestone is taking the appropriate preventive measures in accordance with its protocols for the prevention of occupational hazards, and strictly following the guidance and recommendations of the health authorities to ensure social distancing and adequate protection of its workforce. In addition, thorough procedures and checklists to ensure safety in the workplace have been put in place before resuming or expanding activities, he explained. The company continues to monitor the situation closely and abide by the advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as government regulations in countries in which it operates, Sanchini added. — SG
