France Says Japanese Tyremaker Bridgestone To Shut Bethune Plant
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Japanese tyremaker Bridgestone has decided to “close the door” on its Bethune plant in northern France, Junior Economy Minister Agnes said on Thursday.
Bridgestone said in September it wanted to close the factory in the face of low demand for its main product, low-profile tyres.
The government will, however, fight to ensure it remains an industrial site and will work on possible new offers for the site, Pannier-Runacher said after meeting Bridgestone and plant representatives in Bethune.
“Bridgestone leaves the Bethune site. We’ll be there alongside the employees to find the best possible solutions”, Pannier-Runacher told reporters, adding that the tyremaker did not want to invest in the plant due to overcapacity.
With 863 employees, the factory has a daily production capacity of about 17,000 tyres.
Questions & Answers
Q.What reason did Bridgestone give for wanting to close the Bethune plant?
What reason did Bridgestone give for wanting to close the Bethune plant?
Bridgestone stated that the closure was due to low demand for its main product, low-profile tyres, and a general overcapacity within the company's operations, making further investment in the plant undesirable.
Q.How many employees will be affected by the closure of the Bethune factory?
How many employees will be affected by the closure of the Bethune factory?
The Bethune factory currently employs 863 people. Junior Economy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher has pledged the government will support these employees in finding the best possible solutions.
Q.What is the daily production capacity of the Bridgestone plant in Bethune?
What is the daily production capacity of the Bridgestone plant in Bethune?
The plant in Bethune has a daily production capacity of approximately 17,000 tyres. Its closure impacts this significant output within Bridgestone's European operations.
Q.What is the French government's plan for the Bethune site after Bridgestone leaves?
What is the French government's plan for the Bethune site after Bridgestone leaves?
The French government plans to fight to ensure the Bethune site remains an industrial location. They will work on securing possible new offers for the site once Bridgestone has departed.
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