Bridgestone to build proving ground in Thailand

Nongkhae, Thailand - Thai Bridgestone Co, Ltd has received official permission from the Thai authorities to build a 54- hectare test track and proving ground close to its existing tyre factory in Nongkhae, Saraburi province. The company expects to invest around Baht 1170 million (€26 million) in the facility.

Although Thai Bridgestone already has a proving ground (opened in 1996) next to that plant, management believes that track will not be capable of meeting the needs of Bridgestone's Thai activities for the future, notably with respect to high speed driving. As a result, said the company, Thai Bridgestone decided to establish a larger-scale proving ground aimed at supporting the next generation high-performance tyres and their introduction throught Thailand and Asia.

The facility is expected to be complete by the end of 2008, when the unit will offer a 3.3-km oval track for high speed evaluations; a handling track and large wetted skid pan area and a special surface track designed to help evaluate noise and ride comfort. In addition 4.8 ha will be set aside for specific tests and evaluations.