Bridgestone Announces Management Changes

The following board members will undergo changes in position and responsibilities, effective Jan. 1, 2008:

– Toru Tsuda – New position and responsibilities: vice president and senior officer responsible for products development, tyre products development, tyre research and material development; Current position and responsibilities: vice president and senior officer responsible for products development, tyre products development.

– Mikio Masunaga – New position and responsibilities: vice president and officer, procurement and steelcord; Current position and responsibilities: vice president and officer, tyre research and material development.

– Hideki Yokoyama – New position and responsibilities: vice president and officer, central research; concurrently vice director, human resources division; Current position and responsibilities: vice president and officer, quality.

– Shuichi Ishibashi – New position and responsibilities: vice president and officer, quality; Current position and responsibilities: vice president and officer, Kanto branch. (Ishibashi was formerly with Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire)

– Kaoru Fujioka – New position and responsibilities: vice president and officer, assistant to senior vice president, responsible for GLC; Current position and responsibilities: vice president and officer, steel cord.

– Sugio Fukuoka – New position and responsibilities: vice president and officer, seconded to Bridgestone South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd., chairman and CEO of Bridgestone South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd.; Current position and responsibilities: vice president and officer, seconded to Bridgestone South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd. (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)

McCarthy Tire Service recently opened a new in-house commercial wheel refinishing facility. According to the company, the facility has the ability to refinish over 1,000 wheels per day and technicians will utilize equipment for inspection, surface preparation, pre-treatment, and automated coating techniques at the facility.

“We're thrilled to unveil this wheel refinishing facility,” John McCarthy Jr., president of McCarthy Tire Service said. “This investment reflects our dedication to providing our customers with unparalleled efficiency and a one-stop shop for all their commercial tire and wheel needs. By streamlining the refinishing process, we can help fleets minimize downtime and maximize productivity.”