NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 28, 2006) - Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) today announced that it has delivered a “Notice of Potential Plant Closure” related to its Oklahoma City, Okla., plant to representatives of the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (USW). The company cited that global market forces have made it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to restore the plant to a competitive position, even with significant new capital investment. While no final decision has been made, because of the substantial on-going losses at the Oklahoma City tire plant, the company advised the USW of the possible closure of the facility.

With delivery of the notice to the USW, the company also expressed its willingness to immediately enter into good faith negotiations with the union regarding the potential plant closure. According to the notice, if the decision is made to close the plant, it is likely that the effective date of closure will be on or about December 31, 2006.

“In general, the tire industry in the United States is facing a number of serious economic issues,” said Steve Brooks, vice president of manufacturing operations for BFNT. “Significant among them is fierce competition from low-cost producing countries, which has made it very difficult for U.S.-based production facilities to manufacture tires at a profit.”

Brooks continued, “We have a difficult challenge in Oklahoma City. While competition is intense in all product segments, it is especially so at the low-end of the market, where demand is also shrinking. These are the types of tires the Oklahoma City plant is equipped to make. Even with substantial new capital investment, market forces make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the Oklahoma City plant to be globally competitive.”

The Oklahoma City plant began operations in 1969 and produces radial passenger and light truck tires. The facility employs more than 1,420 active teammates.

“This has been a very difficult decision to make, especially in light of our nearly 40 years’ presence in Oklahoma,” said Brooks. “The step we announced today was taken only after serious consideration of our alternatives. The appropriate union officials, as well as government and community leaders, have been contacted to explain the situation at the plant. We have held and are continuing to hold meetings with our plant teammates as well.”