NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Two Bridgestone Firestone plants in Tennessee are cutting back on production days through the end of the year in response to softening sales.
The LaVergne plant, which employs 1,200 people, will have 23 production days out between now and the end of the year, while the Warren County plant, which employs 790 people, will have 28 production days out.
The company said in a released statement Tuesday it's taking steps to reduce production at its U.S.-based passenger, light truck and truck and bus tire facilities, which is intended to align production levels with industry demand.
Bridgestone spokesman Dan MacDonald told the Southern Standard newspaper in McMinnville that demand is softening in the marketplace and the truck tire market has been hit especially hard.
Nashville-based Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Firestone Americas Holding Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corp., is the world's largest tire and rubber company.