France says Japanese tyremaker Bridgestone to shut Bethune plant

[PARIS] Japanese tyremaker Bridgestone has decided to "close the door" on its Bethune plant in northern France, Junior Economy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said on Thursday.

Bridgestone said in September it wanted to close the factory in the face of low demand for its main product, low-profile tyres.

The government will, however, fight to ensure it remains an industrial site and will work on possible new offers for the site, Ms Pannier-Runacher said after meeting Bridgestone and plant representatives in Bethune.

"Bridgestone leaves the Bethune site. We'll be there alongside the employees to find the best possible solutions", Ms Pannier-Runacher told reporters, adding that the tyremaker did not want to invest in the plant due to overcapacity.

With 863 employees, the factory has a daily production capacity of about 17,000 tyres.

REUTERS

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