Over 400 out of work in Normal as Bridgestone announces temporary shutdown

Posted on March 20, 2020
As of Thursday, there were 422 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Illinois. (Photo courtesy: HOI-ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

NORMAL – Bridgestone Americas announced a temporary phased shutdown at all its manufacturing facilities in North America and Latin America Thursday.

The plant in Normal produces off-road tires for mining and construction equipment and employs over 400 people.

The temporary shutdown will begin this weekend, March 21.

The company plans to resume normal operations on or around Sunday, April 12, although Bridgestone says they be watching the situation closely and adjusting response plans as necessary.

In a statement Thursday, Bridgestone says they have enough supply of product meet customer demand.

In the meantime, distribution centers, plant warehouses, and logistics teams will continue to fill orders.

The goal of the temporary shutdown is to “align supply to the predicted demand in the market” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Thursday, there were 422 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Illinois. There was one case in McLean County.

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

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