Mighty Bridgestone keeps on trucking

If you combine the 960 Bridgestone employees with the 120 permanent contract employees who work at Bridgestone, the local plant provides jobs for 1,080 people. I’m stating the obvious when I say that’s a lot of people.

‘This plant is running at full capacity and we project to continue to run at full capacity,’ said plant manager Ron Brooks.

Ron said one of the primary challenges facing Bridgestone is the rising cost of raw materials, namely oil. With oil and the tire industry linked at the hip, Ron said Bridgestone is constantly exploring new materials to use to reduce costs while not sacrificing quality.

With stable demand and stable production, one area Bridgestone is examining to increase its bottom line is through better energy efficiency. Ron says a new lighting system has been installed at the local facility along with other cost-saving devices such as waterless urinals.

This goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway. Bridgestone is one of this county’s great gems, perhaps its greatest economic gem. Not only does Bridgestone provide high-paying jobs, but the company is also dedicated to projects to better the community.