Bridgestone To Start First Fully Automated Tire-Mfg Systems

TOKYO - November 26,2002; Dow Jones reported that Bridgestone Corp. said Tuesday it will start operating the world's first fully automated tire-manufacturing system from next year to improve product quality and slash output costs.

Bridgestone is currently testing its computer-controlled "Bridgestone Innovative and Rational Development (BIRD)" production system, which automates the manufacturing process from materials processing through to tire inspections.

After about one year of pilot mass production in Japan, the company will start installing the new system at its plants worldwide.

Bridgestone Vice President Isao Togashi told a news conference the new technology would help it significantly cut costs and production time.

The BIRD system uses only one-third of the plant floor space needed for its current system, cuts plant energy consumption by 40% and doubles productivity.

The system allows continuous production of tires of different sizes on the same line. Bridgestone director Masaharu Oku said the new system will mainly be used to make replacement tires.

The company declined to disclose details of the move, including the amount of investment involved, but it has already been patented in Japan and the U.S. The company is also applying for a patent in Europe.