- Bridgestone Firestone SC Plans Upgrades in Aiken
- Graniteville Plant will invest $33 million in new equipment
- Release Date:
- Friday, December 08, 2006
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Contact:
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Rose Dangerfield
803.737.0402
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Press Release:
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Graniteville, SC - Bridgestone Firestone North America Tire, LLC (BFNT) announced today that it will invest at least $33 million in its Aiken County tire plant over the next four years to add new production equipment as well as retool existing equipment. With its announcement in January of a $17 million plant upgrade, the company will be investing at least 50-million dollars in the Aiken County tire facility over five years. Most recently the plant added a new mixer, modified its tire assembly system and hired 36 new teammates.
“By investing more than $50 million over five years we are helping to ensure that the Aiken County facility remains competitive in the tire and rubber business for years to come,” said Steve Brooks, Vice President of Manufacturing for Bridgestone Firestone North America Tire. “Creating new opportunities for economic growth and community development is a significant component of our business structure here in Aiken County. The investment in our community here not only benefits the Bridgestone family of companies but shows Aiken County our dedication to making high quality products and demonstrates both our passion for excellence and our commitment to the communities we call home. We are very proud to be apart of Aiken County,” Brooks added.
“Our focus on improving the state’s soil conditions for business continues to pay dividends in terms of creating investment and opportunity in South Carolina,” said Gov. Mark Sanford. “With 140,000 more people working in our state than there were four years ago, we remain committed to pushing for further changes like workers comp reform that will enhance South Carolina’s business climate.”
“Bridgestone Firestone’s investment announcement today further demonstrates what a great place South Carolina is to do business,” said Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor. “Companies realize in today’s competitive global environment that making technology and system upgrades are vital to their ongoing success and we appreciate the vote of confidence from Bridgestone Firestone in our workforce and overall positive business climate that will favorably impact the Aiken community for many years to come.”
“Aiken County is pleased that Bridgestone is adding to their announcement in January and increasing their total financial commitment to $50 million,” said Ronnie Young, Chairman of the Aiken County Council. “Our council continues to grow our reputation as a pro-business place to locate and expand.”
“This expansion will continue to make this facility one of the most productive of any Bridgestone plant in the world, and it will position our community to compete for more expansion opportunities with them in the future,” added John Troutman, Chairman of the Economic Development Partnership.
Since Aiken was named as the new location for the tire manufacturing facility in 1997, BFSC has reached a number of milestones, including the celebration of its 50 millionth tire in January 2006. The facility which employs more than 900 people has received a number of state and national awards, including the South Carolina Silver Crescent Award for Manufacturing Excellence in 2006.
South Carolina is home to a Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) facility in Aiken County, two Firestone Building Products (FSBP) facilities in Kingstree and Wellford, and 31 company-owned retail stores. Bridgestone Americas employs more than 1,500 teammates in South Carolina. The South Carolina facilities and The Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund have contributed more than $202,000 to local charitable organizations in 2005.
Nashville-based Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Fuzion and associate brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America.
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