Former Bridgestone tire plant in Russia set for start-up in November

Ulyanovsk, Russia – Former Bridgstone tire manufacturing plant in Ulyanovsk is expected to resume production in November, following its takeover by Russian holding company S8 Capital in December last year.

In a social media update last month, deputy chairman of the Ulyanovsk government Sergey Vasin said he held talks with the management of S8 Capital about the restarting of the plant.

Now renamed OOO Cordiant Ulyanovsk, the unit is set for “preliminary resumption of production” in November, said Vasin.

Following the start-up at the end of the year, the factory is expected to achieve its design capacity in 2026, he added.

Located in the Zavolzhye industrial park and spanning 80.6 hectares, the Ulyanovsk facility was officially launched in December 2016.

Described as "one of the most advanced among all Bridgestone enterprises in the world," the plant has the capacity to produce just under 5,000 units per day.

Product portfolio includes tires with standard sizes ranging from 13 to 19 inches - for cars, crossovers and SUVs, as well as tires homologated for supply to automakers as OE.

According to Russian press reports, the facility will produce Gislaved-branded tires, similar to other Cordiant facility in Kaluga, formerly Continental Tires' plant which was also acquired by S8 Capital last year.