Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC (Bridgestone), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company, announced its passenger and light truck tire plant in Aiken County, South Carolina recently celebrated 25 years of operations. The Aiken Passenger Tire Plant began producing passenger and light truck tires for original equipment manufacturers and retail in 1998 and continues to play a vital role in the local community today by employing more than 1,700 people. The Aiken Passenger Plant is among the company’s global plants adding the capability to produce the ENLITEN technology stack, which is optimized for rolling resistance and wear.
“As we celebrate 25 years of manufacturing, we are thankful for our dedicated team, who is directly responsible for delivering the best-in-class passenger and light truck tires our customers know and expect from Bridgestone,” said Scott Damon, chief operating officer, Bridgestone Americas. “The Aiken Passenger Team is among the top plants in Bridgestone’s global manufacturing footprint. The impact our teammates 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 and serve the community. We also thank the local community and state for their ongoing support of both of Bridgestone’s manufacturing operations in Aiken County.”
The Aiken Passenger Tire Plant is located in Graniteville, South Carolina. Throughout its 25 years in operation, the Aiken Passenger Tire Plant has demonstrated the Bridgestone E8 Commitment’s values (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, and Empowerment). The Aiken Passenger Tire Plant team has received several certifications for safety leadership and environmental responsibility. The Aiken Passenger Tire Plant was LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and is a certified WAIT (Wildlife and Industry Together) partner with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. In addition, Bridgestone offers a variety of programs through its onsite learning center in Aiken County where it provides free community outreach and training as part of Bridgestone Environmental Education Program, which has received state and national recognition. In 2021, Bridgestone announced the company’s first ground-based solar array that directly powers the manufacturing process at the plant. Also in 2021, the Aiken Passenger Tire Plant has achieved South Carolina Palmetto Star Recertification, being recognized as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program, 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.
Year over year, the Aiken Passenger Tire Plant continues to play an important role in the local community through its support of nonprofit organizations, including the United Way of Aiken County, American Heart Association, Aiken County Public Schools and Golden Harvest Food Bank. Earlier this year, the Aiken County Chamber of Commerce presented Bridgestone with the Large Business of the Year Award.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our teammates in Aiken County and their continued commitment to making mobility more efficient for our customers,” said Barry Owens, senior vice president, Bridgestone Americas Manufacturing Group. “We look forward to the next 25 years of operation in Aiken County.”
Bridgestone also has operated its Aiken County Off Road Tire Plant in Trenton since 2013, producing large and ultra large off-road radial tires. This plant is the company’s first giant off road radial tire manufacturing plant in North America.
To learn more about Bridgestone’s Aiken County Tire Plants, visit BridgestoneAmericas.com.