BFS restarts production at Venezuela plant after 11-day shutdown

Valencia, Venezuela -- Bridgestone Firestone Venezolana CA has resumed production at its tyre plant in Valencia after being shut down 11 days because of disruptions related to an internal dispute between rival leaders of the local labour union.

Production restarted Dec. 6, according to Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc., which oversees Bridgestone Corp.´s activities in Latin America.

Bridgestone emphasised the disagreement was over union leadership issues and is not a dispute between the union and the company.

"It´s now in the best interests of all parties for the Bridgestone Firestone Venezuela plant to resume production while the union works with the appropriate government agencies to resolve its internal issues," the company said.

BFS Venezuela makes passenger, light truck and medium truck tyres at its 50-year-old plant in Valencia, where it employs more than 1100.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)