Back to work Monday for hundreds of employees at Normal’s Bridgestone plant

Posted on April 9, 2020
The plant closed down March 21 as the company sought to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and as the world’s economy slowed to a crawl in the pandemic’s wake. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

NORMAL – More than 400 workers employed at the Bridgestone tire factory in northeast Normal will be back on the job Monday.

Bridgestone Americas on Tuesday announced it is restarting its North American commercial tire plant as well as it’s North American Firestone Industrial Products and Building Products manufacturing facilities.

Normal’s Bridgestone plant is located on Fort Jesse Road, near Veterans Parkway. The plant closed down March 21 as the company sought to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and as the world’s economy slowed to a crawl in the pandemic’s wake.

“The company’s start-up plans reflect the performance trend in several key areas of its commercial and diversified products businesses not as severely affected by the current crisis,” the company said in a news release.

“The company continues to work closely with its customers and partners to ensure adequate supply, while closely monitoring volatility in demand,” the company said.

“The start-up of our North American commercial tire and diversified products operations will allow us to meet the increasing needs of businesses who are going above and beyond to provide essential services in our communities,” said Bridgestone Americas CEO and President Pablo Ferrari.

“We are mindful of the need for Bridgestone to do its part in providing critical products and services to businesses and agencies doing so much to keep essential workers and goods moving,” Ferrari also said.

The news release went on to say that Bridgestone is closely monitoring the coronavirus situation and “adjusting response plans and operations as necessary to ensure the health and safety of its employees while also addressing the needs of customers and the market.”

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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