NASHVILLE — Bridgestone America Inc.'s Warren County, Tenn., tire plant recently celebrated its 30th anniversary — and the company is looking forward to many more.
The plant, which is located in Morrison, Tenn., began manufacturing truck and bus radial (TBR) tires in 1990 and employs more than 1,000 people. In 2018, Bridgestone began a $40 million expansion that added 32,000 square feet.
For the celebration, due to COVID-19 safety measures, each employee received a pre-packaged meal, including a special locally-made cupcake, a 30-year custom commemorative coin and a 30-year commemorative cup.
"This (30-year) achievement is a testament to the dedication of our employees in Warren County and their continued commitment to making mobility more efficient for our customers," Chris Ripani, president, truck and bus radial and retread tires, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, said. "We look forward to the next 30 years of operation in Warren County."
Over the past three decades, the plant has received several certifications for safety leadership, quality management and environmental responsibility, including the Tennessee Green Partnership and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification in 2008, becoming the first tire plant in the world to achieve this designation, according to the company.
The plant also has been recognized as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program STAR site, which recognizes employers who have implemented safety and health management systems to reduce employee injury rates and is patterned after the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program.
"The Warren County Team sets the bar for total output and productivity across Bridgestone's TBR facilities globally," Tamara Martensen, Warren County plant manager, said. "The impact our Warren County employees make through the products they manufacture is at the core of our business, and we couldn't do it without this team's drive to continuously improve our operation."
