In yet another blow to local manufacturing, Australia's last remaining tyre manufacturer has decided to turn out the lights.

Bridgestone is to close its tyre manufacturing plant in Adelaide's northern suburbs early next year, putting 600 people out of work.

The company will also close a tyre production plant in Christchurch, New Zealand with the loss of 275 jobs.

The Adelaide facility has been operating since 1965 and Christchurch since 1947.

Despite continued efforts to improve cost competitiveness at both plants, Bridgestone says that international competitive forces have been making tyre manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand increasingly difficult to the point where the operations in both countries are no longer viable.

"As the last tyre manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand, we have worked hard over many years to avoid today's decision," senior executive director Andrew Moffatt said.

"We are proud of the fact that we have managed to keep these two manufacturing facilities open for so long and have provided employment and economic benefits to so many people over such a long period."

Bridgestone said all employees at both plants would receive their full entitlements.

The company's distribution, customer service and retail outlets will not be affected and the company's corporate headquarters will remain in SA.

The Adelaide plant will close by the end of April 2010, with Christchurch to close by the end of this year.

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