Bridgestone Bloomington plant receives Caterpillar certification

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Caterpillar Inc. has bestowed on Bridgestone Americas Inc.'s OTR tire plant in Bloomington a platinum-level distinction in the construction equipment maker's Supplier Quality Excellence Process Certification, which is the highest possible honor.

The Bloomington plant received gold level in Caterpillar SQEP certification for the past two years.

"This recognition is a reflection of our commitment and a testament to our dedicated employees in our Bloomington Plant and Americas Technical Center, and in customer support, and logistics and supply chain management, all of whom deliver quality and innovation through their work in product, engineering and manufacturing performance, to customers like Caterpillar," Eugene Johnston, executive director, original equipment manufacturers global support, Bridgestone Americas, said.

Caterpillar's SQEP Certification was created to recognize a supplier's dedication to providing superior quality, and is awarded to suppliers who demonstrate world-class performance on an ongoing basis, according to a statement. Each year, suppliers are evaluated for supplier quality, exceptional service and delivery performance.

The Bloomington plant has received numerous awards in the past, including the Illinois American Legion Employer of the Year for hiring veterans and a U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association's 2017 Improvement Award for achievements in worker safety and health.