Bridgestone Corporation is officially exiting the commercial tyre manufacturing business in China, finalising a deal to transfer all shares of its previously shuttered truck and bus radial (TBR) tyre plant in Shenyang to Sailun Group for 265 million CNY (approx. $37 million). The Bridgestone Shenyang plant sale signals a continued strategic retreat by Bridgestone from China’s commercial vehicle sector and a ramp-up by Sailun, which has aggressively pursued growth both domestically and globally.
What Sailun Gets
Sailun (Shenyang) Tire Co., Ltd., a Shenyang-based subsidiary of Qingdao-headquartered Sailun Group Co. Ltd., will acquire 100% ownership of the Bridgestone (Shenyang) Tire Co., Ltd. (BSSY) shares. The subsidiary is engaged in tyre production, rubber R&D, mold development, and related services. Sailun expects to close the deal by July 31, 2025, pending final approvals.
Bridgestone said in its filing of the sale that this will have a “minor” impact on its 2025 financial results.
Why The Bridgestone Shenyang Plant Sale Matters
For tyre dealers watching the balance of global production power, this sale may have long-term implications:
- Bridgestone’s withdrawal from Chinese TBR production may reduce competitiveness in Asia’s largest commercial tyre market. It may also increase Bridgestone’s reliance on global supply chains.
- Sailun’s acquisition boosts its capacity and footprint. It may expand the company’s ability to produce and export TBR products domestically and internationally, including to the U.S.
- Sailun’s growing presence in global OE and replacement channels may lead to more competitive pricing. It could also improve product availability in the markets where Sailun is distributed.
