Bandag Operations Will Relocate to Nashville
This move is part of an overall effort to restructure the way Bridgestone Americas does business across its North American operations.
Bandag Officials Organize New Business
Bandag officials announced March 31 the organization of Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, a new business that will expand the focus of the company’s operation in Muscatine, Iowa. For 50 years, Bandag has made retread truck tires and sold them around the world. In June 2007, the company, which has more than 330 employees in Muscatine, was acquired by Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. for $1.05 billion and began operating as Bridgestone Bandag LLC. The move announced Monday will combine sales and marketing for the Bridgestone truck tire group and Bandag.
Mark Emkes Named RMA Chairman of the Board
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has elected Mark Emkes as chairman of the board of directors. Emkes is chairman and CEO of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. and chairman and CEO of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC.
RMA Appoints New Chairmen of the Board; Hires New General Counsel
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has elected new chairmen for fiscal years 2005 and 2006. Thomas Dattilo, chairman, president and CEO of Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the RMA for 2005. Mark Emkes, chairman and CEO of Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. and Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT), will serve as chairman in 2006. In other news from the RMA, Laurie Baulig has been hired as general counsel and senior vice president of regulatory affairs for the association.
TIA Announces 2004 Tire Industry Hall of Fame Inductees
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has announced the names of those who will be inducted into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame for 2004. John Lampe, retired chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas, and Mario Marangoni, chairman, CEO and president of the Marangoni Group were chosen by a selection committee for their achievements and leadership that have helped shaped the tire industry.
Top Tire Industry Performers for 2003
Nokian Tyres, Hankook and Bandag were the tire industry’s top performers in 2003 in terms of earnings as a percentage of sales, while Goodyear, Titan International, Bridgestone Americas Holding and Alliance Tire anchored the bottom of the list.
Class-action Decision Delayed in BAH Hearing; Firestone Recalls Another 297,000 Steeltex Radial A/T tires
An Indio, Calif., hearing to determine if a lawsuit over Bridgestone/Firestone’s Steeltex tire brand should gain class-action status has been postponed until Mar. 17. The hearing was originally scheduled for Feb. 25. California Superior Court Judge Christopher Sheldon delayed the decision, saying he wanted a shorter version of the motion filed by Bridgestone Americas Holding (BAH) opposing class-action certification. In related news, late yesterday afternoon Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire announced a voluntary safety campaign in the U.S. to replace approximately 297,000 Steeltex Radial A/T tires in size LT265/75R16 LR D (Load Range D) on 2000-2002 and some early 2003 model year Ford Excursions. The company said preliminary data suggests that there could be an issue concerning the performance of these tires. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the new recall was initiated following three fatal crashes that claimed five lives.
Holley Names SVP of Customer Experience Marketing
Philip Dobbs will lead customer engagement, digital strategy and brand focus for the full Holley brand portfolio.
Firestone Airide Debuts Smartphone-Controlled Air Springs
Firestone’s new Air Command allows users to control air helper springs wirelessly from either a new physical remote or smartphone app.
TireHub Launches TireHub Plus Program
The program aims to boost the operations of independent tire dealers across the country.
