NORMAL ( 25News Now ) - Some Bridgestone employees in Normal are preparing to return to the job market.

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. will soon begin a workforce reduction at its Off the Road Tire Plant in Normal, according to a statement.

The local plant produces tires for the construction and mining industry. In 2018 , the company invested $12 million to expand tire production to include 29, 33, and 35-inch off-the-road tires. That also created 30 jobs for local workers.

The statement said the layoffs are in response to the changing market conditions related to off-road tires and the anticipated customer demand.

Company leaders allegedly determined that the premium market has shifted toward radial products , which increase tire footprint, traction, and fuel economy. Therefore, the

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