Bridgestone, the global tyre manufacturing giant, has unveiled plans for a significant technological upgrade at its Burgos facility in Spain, with an investment of up to €207 million, marking one of its largest financial commitments in Europe to date. This ambitious move aims to enhance the production of high-value High Rim Diameter (HRD) tyres and align with the company’s strategic goals towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The investment into the Burgos passenger tyre manufacturing site signifies a strategic shift towards higher efficiency and sustainability in tyre production. Bridgestone EMEA’s decision to funnel resources into this project reflects its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. By adopting advanced manufacturing techniques, the company anticipates a 20% increase in productivity, focusing on the production of premium HRD tyres (18 inches and above). This not only meets the rising demand for high-tech tyres among consumers but also propels Bridgestone closer to its global sustainability objectives.
The technological transformation at the Burgos plant is set to unfold over the next decade, emphasizing automation, vulcanisation capacity enhancement, and the establishment of an automated high bay warehouse. This will not only boost productivity but also provide greater production flexibility. The introduction of the Bridgestone Communality Modularity Architecture (BCMA) is expected to further streamline production processes and enhance operational efficiency.
Bridgestone’s Burgos facility, a key player in the global passenger car tyre market, is poised for a significant expansion in its HRD tyre production capacity. The investment will increase its output to over 7 million premium tyres, making it one of Bridgestone’s largest producers of van tyres in Europe. This strategic enhancement is a testament to Bridgestone's commitment to leading the tyre manufacturing industry with innovative and sustainable solutions.
Emilio Tiberio, West Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Bridgestone West, underscored the importance of this investment, highlighting its potential to drive European and global growth. By focusing on premium tyre production and increasing logistical autonomy, Bridgestone aims to contribute to the economic development of Burgos, Castilla y León, and Spain at large. This initiative not only strengthens Bridgestone’s manufacturing capabilities but also supports sustainable employment and technological advancement in the region.
The Burgos plant’s journey towards sustainability is further evidenced by the installation of over 20,000 solar panels, which supply a significant portion of the factory's energy needs with renewable sources. This initiative, along with the technological upgrades, is expected to save approximately 2,000 tonnes of CO2 by 2030, marking a substantial step towards Bridgestone’s goal of carbon neutrality.
