BFS gets Akron tech center offer
AKRON-Ohio officials presented a $68 million proposal to entice Bridgestone/Firestone (BFS) to keep its technical center and its 600-plus employees in Akron.
BFS is considering renovating its current facility, a former Firestone tire plant, or building a new facility elsewhere.
The Ohio proposal includes construction of a new building in Akron that BFS would lease. The city of Akron would purchase the old building for an undetermined amount.
The project would be funded from a variety of sources, according to a city official, including state loans and grants and city tax increment financing.
Nashville, Tenn.-based BFS is expected to decide by year-end between proposals by Akron and the Nashville area. Bridgestone Corp. bought the Akron-based Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. in 1988 and relocated all but the tech center from the city.