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2024-04-06 13:01:54

Bridgestone

Japanese multinational auto and truck parts manufacturer
Japanese multinational auto and truck parts manufacturer
Bridgestone Corporation, founded in 1931, is the world's largest tire manufacturer. It has 181 production facilities in 24 countries. The name 'Bridgestone' is derived from the founder's name, meaning 'stone bridge' in Japanese.
1906-03
Ishibashi transforms family tailoring business into specialist manufacturer of Japanese Tabi socks
In March 1906, at the age of 17, Ishibashi took over his family's tailoring business and turned it into a specialized producer of Japanese Tabi socks. This transformation marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
1909
Firestone Begins Manufacturing Tire Rims
In 1909, Firestone started manufacturing tire rims, a significant development in the tire industry. This move would contribute to the company's growth and innovation in the automotive sector.
1920-11-29
Visit of Ex-President William Howard Taft to Firestone
On November 29, 1920, former President William Howard Taft visited Harvey S. Firestone in Akron, marking the growing importance of Firestone in national affairs.
1922-04-05
Production of Low-Pressure Balloon Tire Begins
On April 5, 1922, factory production of the industry’s first low-pressure balloon tire started. This innovation was achieved by utilizing the gum-dipping process developed in the early 1920s to insulate tire cords from internal heat, providing exceptional mileage to average motorists.
1923-10-14
Firestone's agreement with Liberian Government
On October 14, 1923, Harvey S. Firestone announced an agreement with the Liberian Government, granting the Firestone Plantation Company a 99-year lease of one million acres of land for rubber cultivation.
1925
Introduction of Gum-Dipped Balloon Tires at Indianapolis 500
In 1925, the Firestone Boys introduced the new gum-dipped balloon tires at the Indianapolis 500. This marked a significant innovation in tire technology for the racing industry.
1930-04-09
First Bridgestone Tires Produced
On April 9th, 1930, tire builders created the first Bridgestone tires with the size of 29x4.50 4PR.
1931-03-01
Establishment of Bridgestone Tire Co., Ltd.
Approximately one year after the first tire was built, founder Shojiro Ishibashi made the Japan 'Tabi' socks Tire Division independent and established the Bridgestone Tire Co., Ltd. in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture.
1933
Completion of First Plant in Kurume
In 1933, the first plant in Kurume was completed, marking a significant milestone for Bridgestone.
1934
Completion of Kurume Plant
In 1934, Bridgestone completed the construction of its Kurume Plant, enhancing its manufacturing capabilities.
1935
Full-fledged tire production at Kurume Plant
In 1935, full-fledged tire production began at the newly-constructed Kurume Plant.
1937
Head office relocation to Tokyo
In 1937, the head office of the company was relocated from Kurume to Tokyo.
1938-02-07
Death of Harvey S. Firestone
Harvey S. Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, passed away in his sleep at his vacation home in Miami Beach on February 7, 1938. Firestone played a significant role in the development of the tire industry.
1942
Head Office Relocation to Tokyo and Production Expansion
In 1942, the head office of the company was moved from Kurume to Tokyo. Additionally, production of V-belts and rubber hoses started, along with the trial production of vibration-damping rubber.
1945
Challenges faced by Bridgestone during World War II
During World War II, Bridgestone had to comply with wartime regulations, leading to most of its production being directed towards military needs. The company encountered difficulties post-war, with its Tokyo Headquarters destroyed and overseas assets lost in bombing raids.
1946
Start of Production of Bicycles
In 1946, Bridgestone began producing bicycles, further diversifying its product offerings and catering to the transportation needs of consumers.
1949
Establishment of Bridgestone Cycle Co Ltd.
Bridgestone Cycle Co Ltd. was founded in 1949, offering bicycles under its own brand and the Anchor brand.
1950
Start of Bridgestone Golf Ball Sales
Bridgestone started selling golf balls in 1950. This marked the company's entry into the golf equipment market, diversifying its product offerings.
1951
Construction begins on Bridgestone headquarters in Tokyo
In 1951, the construction of the Bridgestone headquarters in Tokyo commenced, marking a significant development for the company.
1952
Establishment of Bridgestone Museum of Art
In 1952, Ishibashi founded the Bridgestone Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan, as a cultural initiative.
1953
Bridgestone Sales Surpass 10 Billion Yen
By 1953, Bridgestone's sales exceeded 10 billion yen, positioning the company as a leader in the tire industry in Japan. The milestone was marked with celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the company's establishment in Kurume in 1956.
1956
Bridgestone becomes industry leader in Japan
In 1956, Bridgestone's sales exceeded 10 billion yen, solidifying its position as the industry leader in Japan.
1958
Manufacture of 50cc Bridgestone motorcycles
The first 50cc Bridgestone motorcycles were produced in 1958, but the company later focused on tire production.
1959
Bridgestone Begins Selling Nylon Tires
In 1959, Bridgestone started selling nylon tires, catering to the growing demand in the automotive market.
1960
Bridgestone Opens New Plant in Tokyo
In 1960, Bridgestone inaugurated a new plant in Tokyo to better serve the expanding automotive market. The Tokyo plant later saw expansions in 1962 with the addition of a Technical Center.
1961
Bridgestone Listed on Japanese Stock Exchange
In 1961, Bridgestone was listed on the Japanese stock exchange. The company also implemented a new management structure with Shojiro Ishibashi as the chairman and Kanichiro Ishibashi as the president.
1962
Bridgestone announces successful development of Steel Rib tires
In 1962, Bridgestone achieved a major breakthrough with the successful development of Steel Rib tires, which were Japan's first steel radials designed for truck and bus applications.
1964
Bridgestone develops Japan's first passenger vehicle radials
In 1964, Bridgestone achieved another milestone by developing Japan's first passenger vehicle radials, showcasing its innovation in tire technology.
1965
Malaysia Plant begins operating
In 1965, Bridgestone's first postwar overseas plant in Malaysia started operating.
1967
Establishment of Bridgestone Tire Company of America
In 1967, Bridgestone expanded overseas by establishing the Bridgestone Tire Company of America, which served as the company's U.S. sales headquarters.
1968
Bridgestone Earns Deming Prize
In 1968, Bridgestone was honored with the prestigious Deming Prize for its excellence in quality management.
1969
Bridgestone Begins Production in Thailand
In 1969, Bridgestone expanded its operations by starting production in Thailand.
1970
Bridgestone Wins Deming Application Prize
Bridgestone is awarded the Deming Application Prize.
1971
Bridgestone withdraws from motorcycle business
In 1971, Bridgestone decided to withdraw from the motorcycle business due to the shrinking domestic market in Japan caused by the popularization of light automobiles. The company shifted its focus to restructuring its bicycle business.
1972
Expansion into Golf Club Manufacturing
In 1972, Bridgestone expanded its involvement in golf by starting to manufacture golf clubs.
1976-09-11
Shojiro Ishibashi Died
Shojiro Ishibashi, the founder of the Bridgestone family of companies, passed away on September 11, 1976, during a period of significant growth and expansion for the company.
1978
Bridgestone Introduced the Super Filler Radial to the Market
In 1978, Bridgestone introduced the Super Filler Radial tire to the market, showcasing its commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the tire industry.
1979
Launch of POTENZA High-Performance Passenger Car Tires
Bridgestone introduced the POTENZA high-performance passenger car tires in 1979, catering to the needs of drivers seeking enhanced driving experiences and superior grip on the road.
1980
Bridgestone Releases Potenza Radial Tire
In 1980, Bridgestone released the high-performance Potenza Radial tire, catering to drivers looking for enhanced performance.
1981-03-01
Purchase of Tire Plant in Tennessee
On March 1, 1981, Bridgestone purchased a tire plant in Tennessee from the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, marking its first manufacturing plant in North America.
1982
Passing of Bridgestone Founder Shojiro Ishibashi
Founder Shojiro Ishibashi of Bridgestone passes away.
1983
Introduction of Winter Radial 708 Studless Tire in Japan
In 1983, the first studless winter tire, the Winter Radial 708 Studless, was introduced in Japan.
1984
Bridgestone Acquires Firestone's Nashville Plant
In 1984, Bridgestone acquired Firestone's Nashville Plant, marking its first production plant in the United States.
1986
Change in Bridgestone Bike Model Numbering System
Until 1986, Bridgestone models were numbered in multiples of 100, with higher numbers indicating higher-end bikes. In 1986, the system changed to two letters followed by a numeral, with smaller numbers representing higher positions in the product lineup.
1987
Introduction of New Bridgestone Bike Model Designations
In 1987, Bridgestone introduced a new model designation system consisting of two letters followed by a numeral, where the letters indicated the type of bike and the number indicated the position in the product lineup.
1988-05
Bridgestone acquires The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company
In May 1988, Bridgestone acquired The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, transforming Bridgestone into one of the world's largest tire and rubber companies with production sites across the Americas, Europe, and other regions.
1989
Firestone announces merger with Bridgestone U.S.A. Inc.
In 1989, Firestone announced plans to merge with Bridgestone U.S.A. Inc., leading to a change in its name to Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
1990
Firestone Tire & Rubber Company headquarters becomes Technical Center for Bridgestone Corporation
In 1990, the Akron headquarters of Firestone Tire & Rubber Company was transformed into one of the three Technical Centers for Bridgestone Corporation.
1991
Bridgestone's Withdrawal from LPG Business
In 1991, Bridgestone decided to exit the LPG business.
1992
Establishment of Bridgestone Americas Headquarters in Nashville
In 1992, Bridgestone Americas set up its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee as part of the integration with Bridgestone's U.S. operations.
1993
Establishment of Bridgestone/Firestone Europe S.A.
Bridgestone/Firestone Europe S.A. was founded to oversee and manage all Bridgestone/Firestone subsidiaries in Europe.
1994
Bridgestone/Firestone Europe S.A. Sales and Logistics Operations in Europe
In 1994, Bridgestone/Firestone Europe S.A. initiated its sales and logistics operations in Europe.
1997
Bridgestone's Debut in Formula 1 Race
In 1997, Bridgestone entered its first Formula 1 race, marking a significant milestone in the world of motorsports.
1998-11-01
Mika Häkkinen wins Japanese Grand Prix
In the 1998 Japanese Grand Prix, Mika Häkkinen from the McLaren racing team emerged victorious, marking the first time a car equipped with Bridgestone tires secured both the driver's and constructor's titles in Formula 1® racing.
1999
Bridgestone acquires Bridgestone Metalpha Corp.
In 1999, Bridgestone absorbed a producer of steel tire cords, Bridgestone Metalpha Corp.
2000
Firestone Centennial Celebration
Bridgestone celebrated the 100th anniversary of the iconic Firestone brand, highlighting the evolution from manufacturing plows to producing a wide range of products including tires for various sectors.
2001
Firestone Centennial Celebration
Bridgestone marked the centennial celebration of the Firestone brand, reflecting on a hundred years of success and evolution from plows to modern-day passenger, commercial, agricultural, and race tires under the Firestone name.
2002
Restructuring of Bridgestone/Firestone
In 2002, Bridgestone/Firestone restructured its businesses by transferring to a holding-company structure known as Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holdings. This restructuring also involved the creation of several spin-off companies.
2007-05-11
Bridgestone Australia Ltd. Acquisition
After the cancellation of shares held by minority shareholders, Bridgestone Australia Ltd. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation of Japan through a selective capital reduction and privatisation process costing $49 million. The delisting from the ASX occurred on 30 May 2007.
2008-02-01
Bridgestone e-Reporter competition launch
The Bridgestone e-Reporter competition was officially launched on 1 February 2008, providing young sports journalists with the opportunity to cover GP2 races.
2009-11-02
Bridgestone announces end of Formula One tire supply contract
On November 2, 2009, Bridgestone announced that they would not be renewing their contract to supply tires to Formula One teams after 2010. The decision was made due to the evolving business environment.
2011-03-01
Bridgestone Announces “The Bridgestone Essence“, New Corporate Philosophy, and Bridgestone Symbol
In March 1, 2011, Bridgestone Corporation introduced a new corporate philosophy called 'The Bridgestone Essence' along with a new Bridgestone symbol and brand tagline. This initiative was launched to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Bridgestone Group's establishment and to strengthen the Bridgestone brand globally.
2012
Opening of Bridgestone Americas Technology Center in Akron
In 2012, Bridgestone opened the Bridgestone Americas Technology Center in Akron, investing more than $125 million in its Akron operations. The center focuses on developing innovative and advanced tire technologies for the company.
2014-02
Bridgestone Fined for Price Fixing and Bid Rigging
In February 2014, Bridgestone agreed to a $425 million fine imposed by the United States Department of Justice for price fixing and bid rigging in the automotive parts industry, expressing regret for the actions that led to the plea deal.
2014-08
Opening of Bridgestone Americas Off Road Radial Tire Plant
In August 2014, Bridgestone Americas inaugurated its first large off road radial tire plant in Aiken County, S.C. The plant, spanning 1.5 million square feet, specializes in manufacturing off road radial tires for heavy haul trucks used in mining and aggregates sectors.
2015-10
Bridgestone Reveals First Tires Made of Guayule Rubber
In October 2015, Bridgestone Corporation announced the successful development of passenger tires made with 100 percent natural rubber components sourced from guayule, a desert shrub found in arid regions.
2018-07-11
Anechoic chambers at the forefront of tire development
Exploration of the role of anechoic chambers in the cutting-edge tire development processes.
2018-08-28
Bridgestone Technology for Urethane Foam Development
Discussion on the technological advancements by Bridgestone in the development of urethane foam.
2019-01-07
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Bridgestone SF325 Tire for the First-Generation Mazda MX-5 Miata
An article offering insights into the creation of Bridgestone SF325 Tire tailored for the First-Generation Mazda MX-5 Miata.
2019-01-09
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Bridgestone SF325 Tire for the First-Generation Mazda MX-5 Miata
An article providing an inside view of the development of Bridgestone SF325 Tire specifically designed for the First-Generation Mazda MX-5 Miata.
2019-08-28
Origin of Bridgestone's Name
On August 28, 2019, the culture section of Bridgestone Blog discussed the origin of Bridgestone's name.
2020-04
Restart of North American commercial tire plants by Bridgestone Americas
In April 2020, Bridgestone Americas announced plans to restart its North American commercial tire plants and manufacturing facilities for essential service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021-03-01
Bridgestone 90th Anniversary Celebration
Bridgestone commemorated its 90th anniversary of establishment on March 1, 2021.
2024
Establishment of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
In 2024, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC was established.
2050
Bridgestone's Sustainability Goals for 2050
Bridgestone aims to provide social value and customer value as a sustainable solutions company by the year 2050.
End of the Timeline
Bridgestone

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Bridgestone

Japanese multinational auto and truck parts manufacturer
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