The Japanese group said the investment will extend its tire production facilities and increase manufacturing capacity at the site by up to 36% by 2026.

The move will also create more than 160 new permanent jobs at the site, which currently employs 1,000 people. The firm is hiring analytics, digital, pricing or brand marketing, IT technical support and Sales Account Managers, among others.  Those interested in applying for a job vacancy should visit Bridgestone’s Career page.

“This new capital investment represents an important step for Bridgestone's tire production capacity,” said Alfonso Zendejas, president of Bridgestone Latin America.

The project “strengthens Bridgestone’s commitment to Costa Rica as a strategic location for local and global business activities,” Zendejas said.

The new investment plan complements recent projects at the Belen site, which have been aimed at expanding the Japanese group’s business in the country.

Since 2020, Bridgestone has invested more than $36 million in modernization and efficiency projects at the tire production site.

"At Bridgestone, we believe in the great potential of the Latin American market, as well as the high levels of quality and reliability of the local workforce,” said Celso Villalva, VP of Latin American manufacturing, Bridgestone Americas.

Operational since 1967, the Belen de Heredia plant manufactures tires for passenger vehicles, vans, and trucks for the domestic market and exports.

According to the 2021 Global Tire Report, published in European Rubber Journal, the facility can produce 10,100 units of tire per day.

Bridgestone is one of many international firms investing in Costa Rica. Last week, the Massachusetts, U.S.A.-headquartered cybersecurity firm, Akamai Technologies, announced they are opening job vacancies for its branch in San José.

Even though new businesses are creating jobs in Costa Rica, the unemployment rate has increased to 12%, according to the National Employment Survey. The data recorded from July to September, show that there are more than 297,000 people without registered jobs. Of these, 165,000 are women, making up 55% of unemployed people in the country.

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