<div id="readability-page-1"><div>  <h2> <span>TRANSITION:</span>                         With the closure, the company would reorganize its Taiwanese unit to a sales and service-focused model, Bridgestone said                    </h2>  <p>Bridgestone Corp yesterday announced it would cease manufacturing operations at its tire plant in Hsinchu County’s Hukou Township (湖口), affecting more than 500 workers.</p><p>Bridgestone Taiwan Co (台灣普利司通) said in a statement that the decision was based on the Tokyo-based tire maker’s adjustments to its global operational strategy and long-term market development considerations.</p><p>The Taiwanese unit would be reorganized as part of the closure, effective yesterday, and all related production activities would be concluded, the statement said.</p><p>Under the plan, Bridgestone would continue to deepen its presence in the Taiwanese market, while transitioning to a sales and service-focused business model, it added.</p><p>The Hsinchu County Government’s Labor Affairs Department confirmed that it had received a report from Bridgestone Taiwan regarding its plan for mass layoffs, which is set to take effect on July 10.</p>   <p>The company would negotiate with workers over the next 10 days in accordance with regulations, while the county government would monitor the situation and provide assistance to affected workers, the department said.</p><p>Bridgestone Taiwan is committed to providing comprehensive support and assistance in accordance with local regulations, including career transition services and related support measures for affected employees, the statement said.</p><p>The company would focus on enhancing its sales and service capabilities, particularly by improving its channel development and sales systems, while deepening collaboration with local distribution partners, it said.</p><p>While ensuring that its transformation would not affect the supply or quality of products for Taiwanese customers, the group would broaden its product portfolio to meet diverse market demands and enhance overall service capabilities, it said.</p><p>Bridgestone Taiwan was established in 1982 to produce passenger and light vehicle tires. The Hsinchu plant has supported the Japanese company’s operations and product supply across various stages of development, laying a strong foundation for the brand’s growth in Taiwan.</p> </div></div>

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<p>普利司通公司宣布将关闭位于新竹县湖口镇的轮胎工厂，影响超过 500 名员工。该决定基于东京总部对全球运营战略的调整及长期市场发展考虑。关闭后，普利司通台湾公司将重组为以销售和服务为主的模式，所有相关生产活动将于昨日结束。</p>

Bridgestone to close its Hukou plant, lay off 500