Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, was formed in 1990 when Bridgestone U.S.A. merged with The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. In addition to manufacturing tires, Bridgestone/Firestone produces a variety of products including air springs, building materials, synthetic and natural rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company has over 38 QS9000/ISO9000 Certified production facilities throughout the Americas, along with numerous international facilities throughout the world.Firestone's company philosophy is derived from a blend of Japanese and Americans methods, with a focus on providing quality products. In the words of the former leaders of Bridgestone and Firestone, Bridgestone/Firestone strives to "Serve Society with Products of Superior Quality" and to be the "Best Today ? Still Better Tomorrow." Bridgestone/Firestone is best known for it's production of tires (more than 8,000 different types and sizes), which account for more than 75 percent of its annual revenues. As a leader in world tire technology, Firestone utilizes research and development centers in three countries and testing centers around the world to help develop, manufacture and market tires for almost every kind of vehicle. (Bridgestone/Firestone Profile)StrengthsBridgestone/Firestone finds much of its strength in having "one of the richest tire makers in the world as its parent" (Chappell, 09/11/00). Bridgestone Corporation has been around since 1931 and has established itself as a well-known international manufacturer of tires, rubber products, automotive products, chemical products, sporting goods, and other products (Bridgestone Annual Report, 1999). The resources and prestige of having Bridgestone as a parent gives Firestone an extra edge in the market.One of Firestone's biggest strengths is the fact that Firestone's passenger vehicle trade is not the critical part of Bridgestone Corp'...
