Business Report: Canada – Bridgestone Americas Expanding in Quebec

A multi-phase, $225-million investment will increase capacity at the company’s Joliette, Quebec plant to produce larger-diameter tires for trucks and SUVs.

By Jonathan Sanders
From the May/June 2016 Issue

Bridgestone Americas Inc. is planning a $225-million investment in its Joliette, Quebec car and light truck tire plant to boost capacity nearly 18 percent to 20,000 units a day by 2023. The investment will involve installing technologically advanced equipment to help the plant support the North American markets and contribute to improved tire performance, Bridgestone Canada Inc. said.

Canada
Bridgestone Americas Inc.’s plant in Joliette, Quebec is investing $225-million to expand capacity for the production of 18- to 22-inch-diameter tires required on large pickup trucks and SUVs. (Photo: l’action.com)

The multi-phase expansion is expected to break ground this year and will be focused on new capacity for 18- to 22-inch-diameter tires that fit large pickup trucks and SUVs. The project will increase the size of the plant to 1.13 million square feet.

In Ontario, the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is investing 7.8 million in seven companies in the Windsor-Essex region, creating 270 jobs and retaining more than 1,180 positions. The companies include:

Astrex Inc. will receive $1.5 million to help Astrex produce high-strength alloys for the automotive sector. The project has a total value of $28.4 million and requires a new facility, equipment, and training, resulting in the creation of 62 new jobs over four years.

The Electromac Group will receive $1.5 million to help Electromac expand its facility, purchase equipment and install three hot stamping production lines to meet increased demand for light weight auto parts. The company will create 30 new jobs and retain 191 positions over five years.

Essex Weld Solutions will receive $450,000 to acquire state-of-the-art fiber-optic laser-cutting machines to increase production and implement robotic welding processes for custom and standard automotive racks. The project has a total value of more than $4.5 million and will create 20 jobs and retain 110 positions over three years.

Integrity Tool and Mold will receive $1.1 million to upgrade equipment to produce higher quality and more precise plastic injection molds for the auto sector. The project has a total value of more than $16.6 million and will create 52 new jobs and retain 317 positions over three years.

JD Norman Canada will receive $480,000 for new equipment to improve increase production of connecting rods for the auto sector. The project has a total value of more than $4.8 million and will create 14 jobs and retain 85 over five years.

Lakeside Plastics will receive $1.28 million to purchase new equipment. The company manufactures plastic automotive interior trim parts. The project has a total value of $12.8 million and will create 55 jobs and retain 305 positions over four years.

Ventra Group will receive $1.5 million to upgrade facilities and purchase new equipment. The company stamps, welds and assembles metal automotive parts. The project will incorporate an experimental high-strength steel new to the automotive industry. The project has a total value of more than $31.9 million and will create 37 jobs and retain 179 positions over four years.