Tire company HQs survive Nashville tornadoes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas is donating $100,000 to support relief efforts in Nashville and middle Tennessee where tornadoes destroyed hundreds of houses and buildings March 3.

The tornadoes and severe storms left a swath of destruction and killed at least 24 people in a four-county area in and around Nashville, a city that is home to the U.S. headquarters of Bridgestone Americas, Hankook Tire America Corp. and Nokian Tyres P.L.C.

None of the tire makers reported damage to their facilities.

At least one tire dealership was severely damaged: Main Street Tires & Auto Service in East Nashville, which posted on its Facebook page, March 3, that it had to close due to storm damage to its facility.

"Our shop got damaged pretty bad. Thanks for all the people that helped and for the people who try to help. We are out of business until we get the shop back as soon as we can," according to the Facebook post.

In the immediate aftermath of the tornadoes, Nashville Mayor John Cooper declared a State of Emergency, a move he said better supports area residents in their recovery.

"This executive order and State of Emergency declaration is a critical resource that will help facilitate Metro's response and recovery efforts on behalf of all Nashvillians affected by this morning's devastating storm," Mr. Cooper said in a statement. "My administration is committed to matching the courage and strength of spirit shown by the tornado survivors I met with this morning, who serve as an example to us all. With solidarity, we begin the path forward to recovery."

Bridgestone also committed to recovery support. The tire maker's donation is being split between $75,000 to the American Red Cross and $25,000 to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

"The people of Middle Tennessee are not just our employees – they are our friends and neighbors. Natural disasters remind us that, even amid devastation, we share a powerful human connection that cannot be broken," the company said.

"In total, Bridgestone employs approximately 4,500 people across Tennessee. We have been evaluating the safety of our employees – at our corporate headquarters in Nashville, and throughout our retail locations, manufacturing and warehouse facilities in Middle Tennessee.

"Although several of our employees have experienced loss or damage to their property as a result of the tornadoes, none have experienced injuries to our knowledge. Our priority now is to ensure that our affected employees and their families have access to food, water, and shelter during what is sure to be a lengthy recovery for Middle Tennessee," the company said.

"We are saddened to hear about the damage and destruction of the tornado throughout the City of Nashville and Middle Tennessee areas," said Peter (YS) Jung, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Hankook.

"Luckily Hankook's U.S. headquarters has not sustained any damage from the tornado and we have accounted for and ensured the safety of all of our employees who live and work in the region. Once we assess how our employees have been affected by the tornadoes, we will work with them to help them get the services they need from the local and state agencies and organizations who are providing those services."

Wegmann automotive USA Inc., based in Murfreesboro, Tenn., about 30 miles south of Nashville, has donated $10,000 to the Middle Tennessee Disaster Relief Fund.

"We cannot just watch from afar as our community members struggle to re-build their homes and provide for their families. Wegmann Automotive is proud to be a strong business in middle Tennessee and we knew immediately that we needed to help," Wegmann President and CEO Jeff Waechter said.

Wegmann manufactures and distributes wheel balance weights and TPMS products.