Bridgestone Bloomington Plant Recognized for Safety
Bloomington, Illinois plant recertified by Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program as Star participant
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 5, 2019) ― Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (Bridgestone) announced that its off-the-road (OTR) tire plant in Bloomington, Illinois was recently recertified for continued participation in the Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program as a Star participant. The program is part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).
“The Star recertification is a testament to the Bloomington teammates’ commitment to creating a safe work environment and is a shining example of our core commitment to safety first, always,” said Monty Greutman, Bloomington plant manager, Bridgestone Americas. “Achieving this recertification is a testament that, from leadership to the plant floor, all teammates embrace safety as a core value. Our high level of commitment to safety is a common value among all teammates, so we can provide our customers with high-quality, safe tires.”
VPP participants serve as models for other employers, workers, and unions by operating excellent safety and health management programs. VPP participants are recognized for achieving a level of worker protection that goes beyond compliance with government regulations.
Since 1965, the Bloomington plant has produced bias and radial OTR tires for mining and construction applications and, last year, announced a $12 million investment to expand production of popular tire sizes. Earlier this month, the Bloomington plant achieved the Gold Level in the Caterpillar Supplier Quality Excellence Process Certification. The plant also has received numerous awards, including the Illinois American Legion Employer of the Year for hiring veterans and a U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association’s 2017 Improvement Award for achievements in worker safety and health.
For more company news, visit www.BridgestoneAmericas.com. About Bridgestone Americas, Inc. Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its global corporate social responsibility commitment, Our Way to Serve, the company is dedicated to improving the way people live, work, move and play in all of the communities it calls home.