Bridgestone breaks ground on Abilene tire retread expansion
Bridgestone Americas officially broke ground on the expansion of the Bandag Reread Tire Plant in Abilene, Texas in the middle of May. The 50,000-sq.-ft., $60-million expansion of the Abilene plant is aimed at the growing demand for the company’s tread rubber products and retread business.
The expansion includes an immediate increase in operational activity by running on six and seven-day production schedules, as well as the construction of new mixing operations at the facility. The mixing operations are expected to be completed and in operation by January 2025. The investment in the facility and the additional days of operations increase the plant’s output by 16%, furthering Bridgestone’s commitment to sustainable solutions.
“Today is a significant day for all of us at the Abilene Bandag plant and across Bridgestone Americas, as we break ground on this important expansion that will allow us to grow our production capabilities to meet the needs of our customers,” said Billy Fralick, plant manager, Abilene Plant.
The Bandag plant in Abilene, which celebrated 50 years of operations in 2021, continues to be a steady fixture in production of high-quality pre-cured truck tread, rubber cement, and solvent packaging. Bridgestone’s investment will build upon the plant’s existing 200,000 sq.-ft. blueprint and provide capacity needed for future production.
