Bekaert is advancing its Bekaert Bridgestone acquisition, adding two steel cord manufacturing plants in Asia to strengthen its global tire reinforcement operations. The €60 million deal includes facilities in China and Thailand, with closing expected in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Expanding Global Manufacturing Footprint
Through this agreement, Bekaert will acquire Bridgestone (Shenyang) Steel Cord Co. Ltd. in China and Bridgestone Metalpha (Thailand) Co. Ltd. in Rayong. These plants produce steel tire cord for a wide range of tire applications.
In addition, both facilities will continue supplying Bridgestone under a long-term agreement, ensuring operational continuity. The acquisition is expected to add approximately €80 million in annual revenue to Bekaert’s consolidated results.
Strengthening Tire Reinforcement Strategy
The Bekaert Bridgestone acquisition will integrate both plants into Bekaert’s Rubber Reinforcement division. As a result, the company will strengthen its position as a leading global supplier of tire cord products.
At the same time, the deal reinforces the long-standing partnership between Bekaert and Bridgestone. It combines Bekaert’s manufacturing expertise with Bridgestone’s tire production capabilities, supporting continued innovation and efficiency.
Supporting Workforce and Operational Continuity
The Thailand facility employs approximately 330 workers, while the China plant employs around 220 employees. These teams will transition to Bekaert after closing, which helps maintain operational stability and preserves technical expertise.
Therefore, Bekaert can expand its manufacturing footprint while ensuring consistent product supply for existing customers.
Strategic Shift and Industry Impact
Bekaert CEO Yves Kerstens emphasized the company’s focus on growth and innovation as it integrates the new facilities. Meanwhile, Bridgestone continues to align its strategy around core tire technologies while partnering with specialized suppliers.
Overall, the Bekaert Bridgestone acquisition reflects broader trends in global supply chain optimization and industry consolidation. As companies refine their focus, strategic partnerships and asset transfers are becoming essential to support efficient global production networks.
