Ceo Roundtable: Bridgestone’s philosophy is to make it right
Upholding the philosophy of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding, CEO John Lampe said the Warren County facility is focused on “Making It Right,” the company’s overall initiative.
Making It Right encompasses the vision, mission and operating principles institutionalized in each of the company’s operations. This includes serving society with superior quality, earning respect and trust and being committed to quality and respectful of everyone.
“Making It Right is not just a philosophy – it’s a way of doing business in Warren County,” said plant manager Dennis Ringgenberg. “Through John Lampe’s leadership and example, our employees have really stepped up to the plate with their loyalty and enthusiasm.”
The Warren County plant, which manufactures truck and bus radial (TBR) tires, is one of seven tire manufacturing facilities functioning under Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire. The plant, which broke ground in Warren County in 1989 and began its production in 1990, now employs more than 900 hard-working and dedicated people. In 2002, the local plant plans to hire additional workers, including at least 30 employees through the first half of the year and approximately 20 more by year’s end.
While there was a slight decrease in production in the last 18 months, the plant is currently building its way back to full production capacity and continues to assist in the company’s overall plans for success.
In the last 12 years, Bridgestone/Firestone has invested more than $650 million in the Tennessee plant. To ensure the Warren County facility remains one of the most technologically advanced in its group of seven tire manufacturing facilities and to further strengthen the endorsement of the company’s confidence and commitment to the local plant, Bridgestone/Firestone recently allotted more than $800,000 to purchase additional support equipment.
The Warren County plant is also committed to continuous involvement and support in a variety of community events and activities. The plant’s history demonstrates strong partnering relationships with local schools as well as providing, through the company’s trust fund, an annual teacher recognition program that distributes more than $35,000 locally to teachers for enhanced classroom learning.
Team Green Club from Nashville Radio Station 93.7 FM, Chamber of Commerce, Meals-on-Wheels, American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House and United Way are a few other areas of interest in which many employees actively participate and the company supports.
Nashville-based Bridgestone/ Firestone North American Tire, LLC is a subsidiary of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. The company develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agriculture and other tires to its customers in the Americas.