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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Bridgestone Tire Opens Its $100 Million Technical Center in Akron, Ohio

04/16/2012
Bridgestone Americas, Inc. opened its $100 million state-of-the-art Americas Technical Center in Akron, Ohio, where 450 employees will develop innovative and advanced tire technologies for the company.

"We've helped put the world on wheels. Literally, millions of miles have been driven on Bridgestone and Firestone tires designed right here in Akron," said Gary Garfield, Bridgestone America CEO and President. By opening the Americas Technical Center "the firm is writing the next chapter in its history. It all starts right here at this new technical center."

"The dedication of the Bridgestone Americas Technical Center reaffirms Akron's role as a center for innovation in the polymer industry. We are proud to have been home to the Firestone brand for 112 years with its legacy in auto racing, quality engineered tires and rubber products," said Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic said. "I am grateful to Bridgestone for its display of confidence in Akron. We have been pleased to partner with the company in the development of this project as well as the continued growth and development of the Firestone Park neighborhood around the new Bridgestone Americas Technical Center." The new center has been built to environmentally friendly and energy saving specifications.

Ohio Economic Development and local officials put together an incentive package worth millions of dollars, including tax reductions, job creation tax credits and low-interest loans to persuade Bridgestone to build its center in the city.

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