Bridgestone Americas’ Firestone tube business facility in Russellville, Ark., celebrated 50 years of manufacturing inner tube products with a commemorative event at its location on Oct. 16.
The facility produced its first butyl inner tube on Oct. 24, 1964. According to Bridgestone, the Russellville plant is the only remaining tube producer in United States and Canada.
“It is an honor to be an active member of the River Valley business community for 50 years,” said Scott Gateley, general manager, tube business, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “Since the plant opened its doors in 1964, this plant has been at the forefront of tube manufacturing and related technologies. We are proud of the work we have accomplished and grateful for the tremendous support of the River Valley community all these years.”
Originally, the Russellville plant was a 136,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility. Today, the plant encompasses 320,000 sq. ft. and has employed more than 2,000 employees. Among the plant’s achievements, Bridgestone said the plant was selected by Exxon Laboratories to assist in the development of an Enjay splicer prototype model to support the advent of radial tires in 1973.
Additionally, the plant received ISO 9000 certification for its Quality Management Systems in 1999, ISO 14001 certification for Environmental Management in 2003, and a CEO Safety Recognition Award in 2011 for achieving one million hours without a lost-time injury.
