Bridgestone Corp. to build Mesa research facility
Web Producer: Laura Kittell
PHOENIX (AP) - Tire and rubber giant Bridgestone Corp. has chosen southeast Mesa for the site of a new research and development facility expected to open in 2014.
Bridgestone's researchers and technicians will work to develop sustainable methods to transform Guayule into tire-grade rubber.
Guayule is a southwestern-desert shrub that produces natural rubber in its roots and bark.
The new multimillion-dollar Mesa facility will complement the company's agricultural research in Eloy.
Bridgestone plans to break ground on the facility next year.
The Arizona Republic (http://bit.ly/RAJlBy) says the facility is expected to create more than 30 high-wage jobs, with average salary-and-benefit packages topping $75,000 and other employees making six figures.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.