Global TQM Award
Sydney, Australia – March 17, 2026 – Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia is pleased to announce that our team has been awarded two prestigious awards - Bridgestone J-Region TQM Award and the Bridgestone Global Impression Award - for our solution to a valving problem for ultra-large dump trucks.
The Solution – A Workable Alternative to a Valving Problem on 63” Wheels
Originally identified at the Coronado coal mine (located in Queensland’s Bowen Basin), the solution centred around Genbutsu-Genba – providing a solution based on first-hand experience. This meant that the first step involved a close inspection of the problem onsite at Coronado. The problem was found to be associated with a very tight and difficult access to valves when fitting and rotating 63” wheels on vertically mounted tyres.
The solution involved design of a new valve (see below images) of which 45 are now installed on Komatsu ultra-large dump trucks at Coronado, and an additional 220 units are installed on Komatsu trucks on other mining sites across Australia.
“Solving the problem was a great team effort which we achieved through co-value creation with OEM, customer and supplier.” Matt Merchant, National Wheel Manager, BMSA.
BMSA Expertise
Underpinning the team effort was BMSA’s formidable experience and field knowledge in tyre and valve fitting – including extensive working knowledge of vertically mounting tyres for rotation and fitting.
Award Winning Solution
The solution initially won the Bridgestone J-Region TQM award in April 2025. This was followed by an invitation to participate in the Bridgestone Global TQM Awards held in Tokyo.
Representing BMSA, National Wheel Manager Matt Merchant and Sales Director Andy Davies attended the awards along with 15 teams from global regions. Each team presented their TQM solution in a concise 12-minute presentation to a global panel of judges.
BMSA’s solution won the Bridgestone Impression Award which recognises initiatives that show exceptional passion and continuous efforts in Genbutsu-Genba towards the improvement of working & business quality. The images show Matt and Andy in Tokyo with leaders from Bridgestone.
Congratulations to our team on developing a valued solution to solve a challenging problem and winning both the Bridgestone J-Region TQM award and the Bridgestone Global Impression Award!
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About Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia
Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia Pty Ltd (BMSA) is a direct subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation Japan, the largest Off-the-Road (OTR) tyre company in the world. BMSA’s diversity enables us to deliver value, aim to improve your operating safety, increase your efficiency, and reduce your operational costs. From advanced technologies to on-site solutions, we continuously look at new ways to ensure your OTR tyres operate at the highest levels of safety, reliability, productivity and performance. Designing, building and delivering the industry’s best application-specific tyres for our customers is only part of what we do. You also get immediate access to the industry-leading levels of service, support, training and advice that only Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia can provide.
Contact
Lorenzo Gella, Manager Marketing and Commercial Sales Support
Email: lorenzogella@bsem.com.au
