For many commercial vehicles, but particularly for last-mile delivery assets, retreading tires is a mandatory part of fleet maintenance. Bridgestone Americas is recognizing the increasing need for retreading facilities with a $60-million investment in their Bandag manufacturing plant based in Abilene, Texas.
The investment will cover a 50,000 sq.-ft. expansion of the plant, particularly for the company’s tread rubber products. Once completed, the Bandag facility will have new mixing operations and is expected to increase its activity by transitioning to a six- or seven-day production schedule. These changes will be complete and operational by January of 2025, adding up to a 15% increase in the manufacturer’s output.
“Our company and our Abilene team have a vital role to play in the transformation of mobility brought forth by a desire of building greener retreads, while helping maximize fuel efficiency for fleets,” said Barry Owens, senior vice president, Bridgestone Americas Manufacturing Group.
The Bandag facility’s impact on Bridgestone’s sustainability has not been minimal, either. The company says that the plant has kept almost 300 million tires out of the landfill with its retreading abilities while also saving four billion gallons of oil throughout its 50-year period of operation.
With Bridgestone America’s recent expansion of both their Warren County and Abilene facilities, the company will be ready to support U.S.-based tires and retreading needed for commercial fleets.
