Tire and rubber giant Bridgestone Corp. has chosen southeast Mesa for the site of a new research and development facility expected to open in 2014.

Bridgestone’s researchers and technicians will work to develop sustainable methods to transform Guayule into tire-grade rubber.

Guayule is a southwestern-desert shrub that produces natural rubber in its roots and bark.

The new multimillion-dollar Mesa facility will complement the company’s agricultural research in Eloy.

Bridgestone plans to break ground on the facility next year.

The Arizona Republic (http://bit.ly/RAJlBy) says the facility is expected to create more than 30 high-wage jobs, with average salary-and-benefit packages topping $75,000 and other employees making six figures.