Bridgestone to close French tire plant

Sep 18, 2020

Bridgestone has announced a "cessation of all activity" at its French plant in Bethune, which employs 863 people.

Bridgestone says the decision is a forced reaction to the difficult long-term outlook for the European passenger car tire market. To improve profitability, Bridgestone needs to reduce excess capacity.

The decision to close the plant, announced at an extraordinary meeting of the company's works council, is seen as "the only real way to keep Bridgestone competitive in Europe."

For Bethune employees, Bridgestone offers early retirement, relocation and other support. In addition, Bridgestone announced its intention to draw up a plan to restore jobs in the area and actively seek a buyer for the Bethune facility.