NASHVILLE (Aug. 2, 2012) — Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has acquired a 281-acre site in Eloy, Ariz., that will become the base of agricultural operations for its guayule research operation being set up in nearby Mesa, Ariz.
Bridgestone did not disclose its investment in the purchase.
“This was an important step in the realization of our guayule research activities, and we are excited to have found a base of operations for our researchers,” said Bill Niaura, director of new business development for Bridgestone Americas Inc.
“Every step we take brings us closer to our ultimate goal of developing new, domestic and sustainable sources for natural rubber; we look forward to breaking ground and getting started soon.”
The research farm will include a multi-purpose office/laboratory building, greenhouses and a farming operation that is positioned to optimize guayule as a commercial crop that produces tire-grade rubber and complements the existing agricultural landscape. Groundbreaking is anticipated in the third quarter of 2012.
The Mesa process research center will be home to a staff of 32 researchers and technicians and to the process that converts the guayule shrub into tire-grade rubber. Groundbreaking for the research center is planned to take place in early 2013, Bridgestone sid.
The facility is expected to be fully operational in 2014, with trial rubber production starting in 2015.
The guayule research project is being developed together with parent Bridgestone Corp., which is providing the funding and strategic input. Bridgestone Americas Tire will operate the pilot farm and process research facility and will leverage the resources of the Bridgestone Americas Center for Research and Technology and its Akron Technical Center to provide technical and research expertise.