Bridgestone to Produce Urethane Foam for Automobile Seats in China

Tokyo August 2, 2004; (JCNN) - Bridgestone Corporation will begin producing urethane foam for automobile seats in China on August 1.

As a joint venture with the automotive components arm of Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group Co., Ltd. Guangzhou Bridgestone Chemical Products will produce urethane foam at a plant inherited from its Chinese parent until its own new plant is complete.

The new plant, scheduled for completion in the latter half of 2005, will increase the company's production capacity fivefold. Bridgestone owns 52% of the joint venture, which has a start-up capitalization of US$8 million.