On Friday, Bridgestone Golf, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Bridgestone Sports, announced plans to close its golf ball manufacturing and testing facility in Covington, Georgia.

The closure will be abrupt, with the facility about 45 minutes east of Atlanta closing on June 30, 2026.

The plant made up to a billion balls a year, but according to the company, it must optimize its global supply chain to strengthen the foundation of its golf business.

Some 86 employees in manufacturing roles will be out of work. Bridgestone Golf will work with local partners to provide access to employment resources.

In a statement, the company said, the decision comes after "a thorough assessment of the increasing volatility in global markets and evolving challenges related to supply chain, operational efficiency, and cost management."

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