BFNAT Contract Talks Recessed, But Contract Extension Nixed
(Akron/Tire Review) News reports out of Des Moines say that master contract negotiations between Bridgestone/Firestone and the United Steelworkers have “temporarily recessed,” but that the union has rejected a company offer to extend the current contract on a day-to-day basis.
Goodyear, Union Extend Contract; Michelin Offer Rejected
(Akron/Tire Review) As expected, the United Steelworkers and Goodyear agreed yesterday to extend their current master contract on a day-to-day basis beyond the July 22 expiration date. Either side can cancel the extension with 72-hour notice.
Same But Different: Commercial Light Truck Tire Features Changing; Customer Concerns Steady
A decade ago, you could cover 80% or more of the commercial light truck tire market with six sizes, all of them 16 inches. “That is changing,” says John Soule, manager of Michelin brand light truck tires at Michelin North America (MNA). “We are now in the middle of a sizing transition that is bringing
BFNAT Ad Biz Goes to Dallas Group
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire has named The Richards Group as its new broadcast creative and media agency. The account is said to be worth $25 million to the Dallas-based agency.
BFNAT Decides to Ax Oklahoma City Plant
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire has decided that it will close its Oklahoma, City, Okla., passenger and light truck/SUV tire plant. The plant, which opened in 1969, employs some 1,400 workers.
Three Tire Companies File Suit Against Chemical Maker
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT), Bandag Inc. and Pirelli Tire North America (PTNA) have filed a federal lawsuit in Nashville, Tenn., against Middlebury, Conn.-based chemical manufacturer Chemtura Corp.
Hall of Fame Inducts Three Visionaries
(Longueuil, Quebec/Tire News) There were more than a few moist eyes at the second annual Western Canada Tire Dealers/Bridgestone Hall of Fame Breakfast, held at WCTD’s regional convention and trade show this past February.
Sumitomo Cuts Profit Forecast
(Akron/Tire Review) Hot on the heels of Bridgestone Corp. warning about the impact of raw material costs on its financials, Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. issued its own profit warning.
In Surprise, USW Tags Michelin for Pattern
(Akron/Tire Review) In a surprise move, the United Steelworkers (USW) has tagged Michelin North America (MNA) as the “target company” for its master contract negotiations with tiremakers.
BFNAT Promotes Five in Sales and Marketing
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) has elevated four tire sales and marketing executives to the vice president level and promoted a fifth.