Bridgestone makes 100-millionth tire

One in 100 million: Audrey Ford, business assistant to Bridgestone plant manager John Stewart, signs the 100-millionth tire. Staff photo by Haley Hughes.

GRANITEVILLE -- Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations plant rolled off the line its 100-millionth tire Tuesday, which was signed by many present at the commemoration and displayed in the plant's lobby.

The 100-millionth tire was a Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S, one of the company's premium light truck, SUV and CUV tires, and it is tangible evidence of the "Bridgestone Way," according to plant manager John Stewart.

"Our teammates here in Aiken are dedicated to making the best products possible every day. It's a reflection of our company's global philosophy, which we call the Bridgestone Way. We have upheld the same commitment to excellence now for 100-million tires, and we plan to do the same for 100 million more," Stewart said.

A short film highlighting the history of the Bridgestone plant was shown during the commemoration celebration and touched on the facility's grand opening in 1999, its first shipment, its 50 millionth tire and the 740,000-square-foot expansion currently under way.

The Aiken County plant, maker of both radial passenger and light-truck tires, began operations in 1999 and currently employs 950 teammates. When first built, the plant was as large as 35 football fields and was the fastest construction start-up of any Bridgestone plant in the world, officials said. Its first shipment of tires went to Chrysler.

Last year, the company announced two phases of expansion for the plant in Sage Mill Industrial Park. The expansions represent an increase to a total capacity of 37,750 tires per day or 13.4 million tires annually. The expansion projects are expected to create more than 300 new full-time and contractor jobs when fully completed.

Stewart mentioned the expansion is on time and on schedule.

"I can't think of a finer organization to be a part of Aiken County," said Will Williams, executive director of the Aiken-Edgefield Economic Development Partnership. "I don't think Aiken County would be as good a place to live, work and play without the associates of Bridgestone."

The plant has earned the South Carolina Governor's Quality Award, the South Carolina Large Manufacturer of the Year Award and was honored as one of Industry Week's Top Ten Plants in North America. The plant received Silver LEED certification status by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2009, one of only two tire manufacturing facilities in the world to have earned the status.

Vice President of Manufacturing Barry Owens said the company's employees are an integral key to the plant's success.

"This plant right now is the safest and most arguably the most productive. Take time to enjoy today, then let's get building on the next expansion," Owens said.

Haley Hughes has spent five years as the Aiken County government reporter with the Aiken Standard. Hughes, a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, hails from Knoxville, Tenn.