Bridgestone Inaugurates Synthetic Rubber Plant in China
Utilizing Raw Materials and Equipment Manufactured Internally for More Efficient Production of Higher Quality Products

Tokyo (December 8, 2008) — Bridgestone (Huizhou) Synthetic Rubber Co., Ltd. (“BSRC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, today officially opened a plant for the production of synthetic rubber in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China. The new plant produces styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Production capacity is projected to be around 50,000 tons annually.

In general, synthetic rubber accounts for approximately 20%* of the overall weight of a tire. SBR which the new plant also produces will mainly be used for the part of the tread in contact with the road, and has characteristics that contribute to ensuring vehicle stability when traveling at high speeds without reducing rubber strength.

Demand for high-performance tires is increasing in Asia including China. As such, the Bridgestone Group predicts increasing demand for synthetic rubber with its ability to provide outstanding performance in tires. BSRC will supply superior synthetic rubber through leading technologies and consistent quality management for use in the production of high-performance tires.

The management goal of the Bridgestone Group is to establish the status of being the undisputed world No. 1 tire and rubber company both in name and reality, and to this end, is working to enhance competitiveness throughout the entire supply chain. By making the most effective use of raw materials and equipment manufactured internally, the Bridgestone Group is able to develop and produce high-quality tires while ensuring stable costs and supply over the long term. Going forward, the Bridgestone Group will continue aiming for optimum raw material procurement by combining internal manufacture with procurement from external suppliers.

Outline of Bridgestone (Huizhou) Synthetic Rubber Co., Ltd.

Location :	Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China
President:	Shinsuke Yamaguchi
Plant :	Start of operation	– December 2008
	Site	– Approximately 200,000m2
	Product	– Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)
	Production capacity	– 50,000 tons/year

*Refer to “Tyre Industry of Japan 2008” issued by Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association (JATMA).