Tokyo (October 20, 2008) - On October 17, Mexico Carbon Manufacturing SA DE CV (“MXCB”), a wholly-owned member of the Bridgestone Group officially opened a plant producing carbon black in Mexico. Carbon black is a raw material used as a reinforcing material in tires. It will be supplied from this new plant to Bridgestone Group's tire plants in North America as well as Central and South America. Production capacity at the plant is forecast to be approximately 35,000 tons a year.

The new plant is operated by MXCB and this is the Bridgestone Group's third plant producing and supplying carbon black, joining facilities in Japan and Thailand.

The management goal of the Bridgestone Group is to establish the status of being the undisputed world No. 1 tire and rubber company both in name and reality, and to this end, is working to enhance competitiveness throughout the entire supply chain. By making the most effective use of raw materials and equipment manufactured internally, the Bridgestone Group is able to develop and produce high-quality tires while ensuring stable costs and supply over the long term. Going forward, the Bridgestone Group will continue aiming for optimum raw material procurement by combining internal manufacture with procurement from external suppliers.


Outline of Mexico Carbon Manufacturing SA DE CV

Location	:	Altamira, Tamaulipas, Mexico
President	:	Yoichi Shiroki
Plant	:	Start of operation Plant site Product Production capacity Employees	- May 2008 - Approximately 430,000m² - Carbon black - Approximately 35,000 tons/year - Approximately 100