Abstract
Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. is an international manufacturer with 38 production facilities around the world. The company is based in Nashville, Tennessee and was formed in 1990, when Bridgestone USA merged with the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. Tires are the largest part of Bridgestone/Firestone's business, accounting for approximately 75 percent of annual revenues. Bridgestone/Firestone now, has nearly 45,000 employees who produce and sell 50 million tires a year. The company develops, manufactures, and markets tires for almost every kind of vehicle, 8000 different types and sizes in all, including a 13-foot-tall giant radial for earthmoving equipment to a cart tire that is only 10 inches tall. In addition to tires, Bridgestone/Firestone also produces a variety of other products such as air springs, building materials, synthetic and natural rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles. The company also operates Firestone Tire & Service Centers, Mark Morris, Expert Tire and Tire Station retail outlets for automotive tires and services. They also service the commercial trucking industry with their Truck Tire Centers.
