Bridgestone Americas traces its roots to two distinguished companies: The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, founded by Harvey Firestone in Akron, Ohio in August 1900, and the Bridgestone Tire Company Ltd., founded by Shojiro Ishibashi in Japan in 1931.
The two companies merged in 1988 when Bridgestone Corporation purchased Firestone, transforming the companies’ combined operations into the world’s largest tire and rubber company. As part of its integration with Bridgestone’s existing U.S. operations, Bridgestone Americas established its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee in 1992.
Today, Bridgestone Americas consists of an international family of enterprises, with more than 50 production facilities and more than 55,000 employees throughout the Americas.
Bridgestone Americas remains committed to being a global leader in tire technology, providing world-class service and being an outstanding corporate citizen in the communities in which we live and work. The company’s culture and mission remains rooted in the words of founder Shojiro Ishibashi, who said Bridgestone is dedicated to “serving society with superior quality.”
TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP
Bridgestone is a world leader in developing innovative tire technologies. Continuing investment in research and development has resulted in game-changing new products, like winter tires with more bite and better grip, fuel-efficient tires with that enhance fuel economy and safety innovations like next-generation run-flat tires.
QUALITY PRODUCTS
Bridgestone manufactures world-class tires for nearly every kind of vehicle, from a kart tire that stands only 10 inches high to a 13-foot-tall giant radial for earth-moving equipment. In addition, Bridgestone is also recognized internationally for producing a variety of other products, including building and industrial materials, natural rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Bridgestone is committed to being a good corporate citizen. Since 1952, the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund has contributed millions annually in support of causes that champion children’s issues, education and environmental conservation. Bridgestone Americas continues to look for opportunities to educate all drivers about driving safety. Comprehensive driver safety education programs include initiatives such as Teens Drive Smart and Car Care Academies.