Bridgestone closes its last Australian tyres factory
By Denna Bowman
Bridgestone has closed the doors on its last Australian factory, because it was no longer economically viable.
The Japanese tyres manufacturer held a farewell barbecue for around 600 employees, many of who will lose their jobs as the closure sees the end of more than 40 years of tyres production in Adelaide.
Bridgestone announced last October it would close its Salisbury plant, which had been making tyres since 1965 and will now make cheaper tyres at its plants in Thailand and Indonesia.
Senior executive director Andrew Moffatt said the event was held to pay tribute to the employees, many of whom have been retrained for other employment.
He said: “Their contribution over so many years is to be admired and celebrated.
“We are particularly proud of the commitment they have shown since the announcement was made right through to today.
“Today is an emotional day for everybody. However, it is also a day of celebration as we reflect on many years of successful manufacturing here in Adelaide.”
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