Latest news with #BridgestoneAmericas
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Introduction of bike lanes along Antioch Pike sparks debate
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Installation of new bike lanes is currently underway along a stretch of Antioch Pike starting at Nolensville Pike. Crews are dividing the road from the bike lanes with 350 used tires that have been turned into delineators. On Thursday, April 24, volunteers worked to cut, paint, and install the barriers. There are many mixed opinions on the project. Organizers with Bridgestone Americas, the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT), and the Civic Design Center believe this will make this stretch of road significantly safer. PREVIOUS: Crews using recycled tires to create bike lanes on Antioch Pike 'To keep kids safe,' director of corporate philanthropy and social impact at Bridgestone Americas, Wade Munday, said. 'There are three public schools on this stretch of road, and on average, there is one traffic accident a month on this roadway.' Glencliff Elementary School, Glencliff High School, and Wright Middle School are located along that portion of Antioch Pike. 'Past experience and data shows that reducing the number of lanes slows traffic, and we're committed to ensuring that we use data and evidence to show impact,' Munday added. | READ MORE | When News 2 posted the previous story about this project on Facebook, viewers left more than 300 comments, including the following examples: Bruh if this weren't my front yard I wouldn't care, but literally NOONE rides bikes on this road… So are they bike ramps? Looks like fun and someone is gonna get hurt I've lived here 22 years..I think I've seen 22 bikes being ridden in the street. ⏩ Munday previously told News 2 this shouldn't impact the flow of traffic except potentially during school dismissal periods. In 2027, NDOT will repave the road and then decide whether or not to keep the delineators. If you want to share your input about the Antioch Pike Tactical Urbanism Project, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Bridgestone to Debut First MASTERCORE Tire for Aggregate Segment with Enhanced Load Capacity and More Tire Life
Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced it will introduce the 27.00R49 V-Steel Rock Deep Ultra (VRDU) aggregate tire at the Aggregate Academy & Expo (AGG1) in St. Louis, Mo., March 25-27. The VRDU is the first aggregate tire engineered with the company's groundbreaking MASTERCORE technology, bringing the proven performance and tire life of the product lineup to the segment. 'Bridgestone's MASTERCORE technology epitomizes how our company helps customers move more with less,' said Rob Seibert, President, Off-the-Road, Bridgestone Americas. 'With the new 27.00R49 MASTERCORE VRDU, we're adapting our proven technology from the mining segment to the aggregate industry, offering enhanced durability, performance, and value across a wider range of applications.' The Bridgestone MASTERCORE VRDU is specifically designed for rock surfaces. It will be offered in four advanced compounds engineered to deliver performance tailored to the unique needs of each quarry operation. Applicable for dump trucks, the new tire is designed with several special features to help deliver greater efficiency: Deeper Tread Depth – The tread pattern of the VRDU boasts a 35% deeper tread depth1,3. It is designed to provide haul trucks with superior traction on rocky terrains, better stability and comfort. Improved Tire Life – The MASTERCORE VRDU's deeper tread pattern incorporates innovative cooling slopes and center grooves to help extend tire life by 26% compared to the Bridgestone VRLS2. Increased Load Capacity – The proprietary casing is engineered with MASTERCORE technology, which uses a wide and strong belt package and rubber compounds. This delivers up to 10% more load capacity4 versus Bridgestone's conventional tires and key competitors5. The MASTERCORE VRDU will be manufactured at the company's Aiken County OTR plant to support growing industry demand in the U.S. and Canada. It will be available later this year. At AGG1, the Bridgestone booth will also spotlight its robust Engineering Solutions services and advanced digital products that utilize the latest Bridgestone OTR technology. This technology has been created to bring additional value to aggregate operations and help fleets move more with less. Bridgestone's development of the MASTERCORE VRDU and commitment to the aggregate segment aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment. The Bridgestone MASTERCORE VRDU demonstrates the company's 'Efficiency' and 'Extension' commitments. Bridgestone will be located at AGG1 booth #2313 on Tuesday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 26 from 9am to 5pm, and Thursday, March 27 from 9am to 2pm. 1Tire tread depth comparison based on Bridgestone MasterCore VRDU 27.00R49 2* E2A (OTD 90 mm/ 113.4 32nd in) vs. Bridgestone conventional VREP, VRLS 27.00R49 (OTD 66.5 mm/84 32nd in). 2Based on internal field testing comparing operational hours for Bridgestone conventional VRLS 27.00R49 2* E2A vs. Bridgestone MasterCore VRDU 27.00R49 2*E2A. Results may vary. 3Tread depth, comparison based on Bridgestone MasterCore VRDU 27.00R49 2* E2A (OTD 90 mm/113.4 32nd in) vs. Goodyear RH-4 A+ 27.00R49 2* (OTD 83mm/ 105 32nd in), as reflected in Goodyear's RH-4A+ Product Sheet on their website, and vs. Maxam MS403 27.00R49 2* S2 cut resistant (OTD 75mm/ 94 32nd in), as reflected on the Maxam website. 4Load capacity comparison based on tire load limits at 700 kpa/102 psi on the Bridgestone MasterCore VRDU 27.00R49 2* E2A (30,000 kgs/66,000 lbs) vs. Bridgestone conventional 27.00R49 2* E2A (27,250 kgs/60,000 lbs). 5Load capacity comparison based on Bridgestone MasterCore VRDU 27.00R49 2* E2A at 700 kpa/102 psi (30,000 kgs/66,000 lbs) vs. Goodyear RH-4 A+ 27.00R49 2* at 700 kpa/102 psi (27,250 kgs/60,000 lbs), as reflected in Goodyear's RH-4A+ Product Sheet on their website, and vs. Maxam MS403 27.00R49 2* S2 (cut-resistant) at 700 KPA/102 psi (27,250 kgs/60,000 lbs), as reflected on the Maxam website. About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.: Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bridgestone to close LaVergne tyre plant
Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone Corporation announced it plans to close its tyre manufacturing plant in LaVergne, in the US state of Tennessee, as part of its strategy to 'optimize the company's business footprint, strengthen its competitiveness and enhance the quality of the US operations.' Bridgestone built the LaVergne plant in 1971. It currently produces radial tyres for trucks and buses, employing approximately 700 hourly workers and staff. Bridgestone Americas confirmed that the plant will cease operations at the end of July 2025, with the company also planning to reduce capacity and the workforce at its Des Moines agriculture tyre plant in Iowa. Bridgestone, which took over US tyre manufacturer Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in 1988, pointed out that it has invested in new, more modern tyre manufacturing facilities in the US in the last few decades, including in Warren County, Tennessee, and Aiken County, South Carolina. The company said it remains committed to contributing to society, the economy, and the mobility of people and goods across the US. Bridgestone said it has been updating and optimising its US business footprint recently, including its national headquarters, the technology center in Akron, Ohio, its Bandag retreading sites and its sales and service network including 2,200 retail stores. The company said in a statement: 'While adapting to the challenges of the business environment as Bridgestone continues to strengthen its core premium tyre business and sustainably create social and customer value, further optimization of the business footprint and costs becomes increasingly essential. Therefore, the decision to close the LaVergne plant has been made.' Bridgestone Americas president, Scott Damon, stated: 'Decisions like this are not easy because of the impact they have on our teammates and their families, and at the same time we are optimizing our business footprint for the future. We are confident that this decision will strengthen our core business, enabling us to operate more efficiently.' The company also said it is 'undertaking business rebuilding activities' in Latin America, including 'cost optimization efforts along with reductions in workforce and production capacity at its facilities and business operations in Argentina and Brazil.' "Bridgestone to close LaVergne tyre plant" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bridgestone eliminates 700 jobs at tire plant in Tennessee
Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas plans to shutter its tire plant located in La Vergne, Tennessee, later this year, which will leave 700 workers based in Rutherford County without jobs. The U.S. arm of Japanese manufacturing giant Bridgestone Corporation explained the decision on Thursday as part of a plan to "optimize its business footprint" and strengthen competitiveness in the automotive parts industry. Bridgestone has been "updated and optimizing" its business across the U.S., including in its Nashville headquarters, a statement from the company said. Forthcoming workforce reductions will impact the U.S. corporate, sales, and operations teams. Bridgestone is also paring down its Des Moines tire plant's capacity. The La Vergne plant's last day will be July 31 after over five decades in operation. 'Will I have a job?': Federal workers full of uncertainty, fear over Trump plans La Vergne Mayor Jason Cole said he was sad to hear that one of the first industrial manufacturers to come to La Vergne is shutting down. "While we are sad to see them go, we are committed to continuing our work with the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and other partners to bring new, high quality industrial and commercial businesses to La Vergne," Cole said. The plant became Bridgestone's first U.S. factory when it opened on 150 acres of La Vergne farmland in 1972. Leading up to the closure, total workforce numbers at the plant have dropped by about 300 people over the last two years. 'Decisions like this are not easy because of the impact it has on our teammates and their families, and at the same time we are optimizing our business footprint for the future,' CEO Scott Damon said in a statement. 'We are confident that this decision will strengthen our core business, enabling us to operate more efficiently.' During a Nov. 11 earnings presentation, the company reported an increase in revenue, but a decrease in profit through the first three quarters of fiscal year 2024 compared to the year prior. That was the case globally and in the U.S. The third quarter, specifically, saw improved U.S. sales that the company credited to "maintaining and reinforcing a solid foundation of premium tire business." This is Tennessee's third major layoff of the year thus far, following 65 cuts at Dollar General's corporate headquarters in Goodlettsville two weeks ago and Perdue Farms announcing the closure of its Monterey facility this week. Nissan also announced 9,000 global layoffs in November but has not yet said how many Tennessee workers will lose jobs. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell said his office learned about the layoffs in the aftermath of the Antioch High School shooting on Wednesday. That's meant he hasn't yet had an opportunity to discuss the situation with Jamari Brown, Metro's director of economic and community development. O'Connell did say, however, that the mayor's office has engaged in ongoing discussions with executives at Bridgestone and is still analyzing the local impact. "We know that there are a number of Antioch residents who have been employed there," O'Connell said. "I think it's always tough when an economic environment results in layoffs, but I will say Bridgestone has been a significant economic partner to both Nashville and Middle Tennessee." Currently, there are about 87,000 manufacturing jobs in the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area, making up about 7% of the total workforce. Over the last five years, the industry has shrunk by half a percent, and it is historically one of the industries with the highest unemployment rate in Nashville. 'It's a tough day when an announcement like that gets made,' Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce President Paul Latture said, adding that the organization is working with the company to help displaced employees. After the closure announcement, Latture said he spoke to a Bridgestone official about marketing the factory on Waldron Road in La Vergne for a potential user of the property. No specific plans have been released. Among La Vergne's partners in attracting new business is the Rutherford County Industrial Development Board, which has the authority to offer tax incentives for businesses adding or expanding operations and jobs in Rutherford County. 'I always hate to see any of our long term existing business decide to cease operating,' Board Chairman Bill Jones said. 'It impacts the community and the people who work for that company. That's why we continue to recruit new businesses to the community and encourage the expansion of existing businesses in the community, so that we can hopefully provide opportunities for those employees who are going to be looking for new work.' La Vergne, in recent years, has added to its business roster with frozen beverage giant Icee relocating its headquarters and a distribution center to the city from California. Two Amazon operations and a BJ's Wholesale Club store have also have opened in La Vergne. The city's other large industrial and commercial workforce operations include Ingram Content Group, Cardinal Health and Saks Fifth Avenue Distribution Center. Nonetheless, Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr said Bridgestone's decision to close the Middle Tennessee plant will deeply affect La Vergne. 'This facility has provided employment for many in the La Vergne community for decades as it was the first Bridgestone plant in the United States, and the employees made the first tire," Carr said in a statement. "Rutherford County remains a great place to live, work and do business. As these citizens struggle to find work by the summer, I have full faith the community can come together to help our fellow citizens find job opportunities." In addition to the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, The Nashville Chamber of Commerce is also working with community partners to help impacted workers ahead of the July 31 shutdown date. "Bridgestone has had a positive impact on our region for over 50 years, and we are committed to working with Bridgestone, our economic development partners, state and local agencies and community partners to support impacted workers by connecting them with local resources, workforce development initiatives and job placement opportunities across the region," Chamber Director of Communications Malick Gaye said in a statement. "We remain confident in Middle Tennessee's economic vitality and ability to adapt to evolving industry needs.' — Austin Hornbostel contributed to this report. Hadley Hitson covers business news for The Tennessean. She can be reached at hhitson@ To support her work, subscribe to The Tennessean. Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@ To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bridgestone layoffs: Company to close tire plant in Tennessee Sign in to access your portfolio
