New Akron plant to make racing tires
The Rubber City will be getting a new tire factory for the first time in decades.
Bridgestone Americas is going to build a new Firestone tire factory near its Akron technical center starting this summer that will make tires for Indycar racing.
The new specialized factory eventually will replace the company’s current race tire plant at the former Firestone complex now owned by the city.
The new factory, which will be in part an extension of Bridgestone test facilities near Firestone Stadium, is expected to begin making its first tires for Indycar in 2020, the company said.
The Nashville-based tire company made the announcement Wednesday morning at its technical center in southern Akron and also said it has agreed to a five-year contract through 2025 to make race tires for Indycar. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. took part in the event.
“This will continue our legacy of Firestone race tire manufacturing in Akron, a very strong relationship that dates back to the company’s founding in 1900,” said Cara Adams, chief engineer for Bridgestone Americas Motorsports.
Once the new plant is built, it will take about four years to transition full production from the current plant to the new one, Adams said.
The approximately 50 people who now make Firestone Firehawk race tires in Akron will move to the new plant. The company said the new facility may result in the creation of additional jobs.
Design details and cost were not disclosed. A company spokeswoman said additional details will be made public later this year and at a planned summer groundbreaking.
Sam Deshazior, deputy mayor for economic development, said the city and Bridgestone Americas are discussing financial incentives for the new plant.