Bridgestone 2008 Annual Report Download - page 21

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is a key market for the sale of off-the-road tires on account of ongoing large-scale investment
projects in that country’s mining industry. On September 1, 2008, Bridgestone ofcially
opened a newly established sales company in Peru, which specializes in tires for mining and
construction vehicles.
To meet demand for large and ultralarge off-the-road radials, the rst stage of
Bridgestone’s eagerly awaited Kitakyushu Plant in Japan will start production in September
2009. Developing and producing radial tires for construction and mining vehicles requires
advanced technologies, and customers have very high expectations for these products.
Accordingly, we will reinforce the position of the Kitakyushu Plant and the Shimonoseki Plant
as global supply bases for these tires. We are also moving forward with increased production
at the Saga Plant, which will supply steel cord to the Kitakyushu Plant. As a supplier of the
materials that support the differentiation of our products, the Saga Plant plays a key role in
the vertical integration of our operations and the strengthening of our supply chain.
The Bridgestone Group has the technical capabilities to supply the most appropriate
tires to customers based on an analysis of usage conditions and vehicle characteristics, as
well as the production capacity to meet robust demand. In addition, the Group’s strengths
include a network that enables it to provide on-site tire repairs and consulting services
on the proper use and maintenance of these tires. With large off-the-road tire operations
consolidated in the Specialty Tire SBU, we have established a system that provides a global
response to customer needs.
Aircraft Radials
Aircraft tires are subjected to harsh operating conditions, including repeated takeoffs and
landings while supporting a heavy aircraft moving at high speeds. As a result, the production
of aircraft tires requires a comprehensive range of advanced technical capabilities. Aircraft
Ultralarge off-the-road radial tires GREATEC tires
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