Bridgestone suspends operations in Russia

Tokyo (March 14, 2022) — The Bridgestone Group (Bridgestone) is deeply saddened and concerned by the situation in Ukraine, and hopes for the restoration of peace and safety as soon as possible. The Group has been closely monitoring the situation by utilizing the group’s global network, placing priority on ensuring the safety and peace of mind of its employees, families, and related people. Based on the Group’s new corporate commitment “Bridgestone E8 Commitment”*1, it has considered its approach toward this crisis and have taken action.

After examining the latest situations thoroughly and comprehensively, Bridgestone has decided to suspend Russian local manufacturing and exports to Russia. The details are as follows:

• Local manufacturing: Suspend passenger car tire plant operation and freeze all new capital investment
• Decision of its suspension is taken on 14th March 2022
• Suspend its operation as of 18th March 2022, after the communication with employees
• Tire export to Russia：Suspend exports as of 14th March, 2022

Bridgestone has one plant in Russia as mentioned above, and sales from Russian operations account for approximately less 2%*2 of the Group’s total revenue. Bridgestone Corporation has also already decided to return all expats and their families, total 10 persons, from Russia to Japan.

Bridgestone Corporation will make a donation of 2.5 million EUR (approximately 320 million JPY*3) to UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). Its group companies will also donate approximately 190 million JPY, consisting of 1 million EUR from its European group company, and 0.25 million USD from each of its American and Asian-Pacific group company to International Red Cross etc.. As a global group, Bridgestone will donate approximately 500 million JPY*3 in total. Also, employees in its European group company has been participating in volunteeractivities to support refugees from Ukraine, collecting food, medicine and helping them into European countries.

Bridgestone defined the “Bridgestone E8 Commitment” for the sake of the Earth, which future generations of children have entrusted in our care. Based on this commitment, the Group supports humanitarian efforts for children and all those placed in difficult situations by this crisis, staying closely by their side to regain peace and safety.

Bridgestone will continue efforts to contribute to a society that ensures accessibility and dignity for all, as defined in “Empowerment” in the commitment.

Click here to read the full news release.