en.Wedoany.com Reported - Bridgestone Golf, the sports subsidiary of Japan-based Bridgestone, has announced plans to close its golf ball manufacturing and testing facility in Covington, Georgia. Located about a 45-minute drive east of Atlanta, the facility will shut down on June 30, 2026, resulting in the loss of approximately 86 manufacturing jobs.
The golf ball factory has an annual production capacity of up to 1 billion balls, but the company stated it must optimize its global supply chain to strengthen the foundation of its golf business. In a statement, the company said the decision was made after "a thorough assessment of increasing volatility in the global market and evolving challenges in supply chain, operational efficiency, and cost management." Bridgestone Golf will work with local partners to provide employment resource channels for affected employees.
North America remains a key market for Bridgestone Golf's business, and corporate and business operations positions in Georgia will be retained, relocating to a new headquarters in the state by the end of 2026.
Bridgestone Sports President Shunsuke Kunihisa stated that the North American golf market remains "vitally important" to Bridgestone, calling the decision "extremely difficult" but noting it will help the company invest in its brand and long-term growth. Bridgestone Golf is one of the top five golf ball companies globally and has been manufacturing golf balls in the United States for approximately 36 years. Production will be transferred to Seki City, Japan, where the majority of Bridgestone's golf balls are manufactured.
Dan Murphy, President and CEO of Bridgestone Golf USA, stated that nearly 95% of golf products sold in the U.S. are manufactured overseas, and said this change will not affect product quality or supply. Murphy said in the statement: "This was an extremely difficult decision, but consolidating our global manufacturing footprint is ultimately necessary to help position Bridgestone Golf more favorably for the future. We are focused on doing everything we can to support our team members through this transition and partnering with local organizations to provide access to employment resources. Our roots in Georgia run deep, and we intend to continue operating our North American golf business in the state going forward."
The move comes months after smaller golf market participant Yamaha announced it would completely exit the golf product business due to rising costs, volatility, and competition. By closing the Covington golf ball factory and consolidating production to Seki City, Japan, Bridgestone is realigning its global golf ball manufacturing footprint to address challenges in supply chain and cost management.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
