North Carolina Names Firestone a Rising Environmental StewardFirestone Fibers & Textiles recognized by state’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources
KINGS MOUNTAIN and GASTONIA, N.C. (March 29, 2007) – Earth Day is still one month away, but Firestone Fibers & Textiles Company, LLC (FSFT) already has a jump-start on environmental citizenship. The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) welcomed FSFT into its environmental stewardship program as a Rising Environmental Steward.
“We’re proud that North Carolina recognized our company’s deep commitment to preserving the environment and honored us as a Rising Environmental Steward,” said FSFT President Jaggy Anand. “The state’s motto is ‘to be, rather than to seem,’ and that is what we continuously strive for—to truly be an environmental steward.”
“We observe Earth Day not only to heighten our environmental awareness on April 22 but to rededicate ourselves to being environmentally aware every day of the year,” said Norma Murphy, Manager, Environmental Stewardship Initiative, NCDENR. “That year-round awareness is what the Environmental Stewardship Initiative is all about, and we congratulate Firestone for achieving this great honor.”
NCDENR’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative is intended to encourage organizations that are committed to environmental protection to find innovative ways to become more effective stewards of natural resources. The voluntary program seeks to reduce the impact on the environment beyond measures required by any permit or rule, producing a better environment, conserving natural resources and resulting in long-term economic benefits.
The program’s Rising Environmental Steward level is reserved for those organizations that have demonstrated a mature environmental management system and progressive environmental performance, and that pledge to continue that commitment in years to come.
Firestone Fibers & Textiles Company was commended for making a voluntary commitment to moving toward environmental stability by using a systematic approach to environmental performance.
NCDENR Secretary William G. Ross Jr. presented representatives from FSFT with plaques commemorating the honor during the 2007 Environmental Stewardship Initiative Participants Meeting in Raleigh, N.C., on March 8.
Anand accepted the plaques on behalf of FSFT’s facilities in Kings Mountain and Gastonia along with Fred Padgett, FSFT General Factory Manager; Sam Calouche, FSFT Environmental Manager; and Arvis McKamie, Director of Health, Safety and Environment for Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products (FSFT’s parent company).
About Firestone Fibers & Textiles, LLC (FSFT):
Headquartered in Kings Mountain, N.C., Firestone Fibers & Textiles Company, LLC (FSFT), an operating unit of BFDP, has three locations in the United States and Canada. FSFT manufactures nylon and polyester tire cord for Bridgestone Firestone tire plants and other non-tire product manufacturers, and manufactures other industrial fabrics and nylon resins. Working with BondCote, a leader in the production of PVC coated fabrics for military tenting and truck and jeep covers, FSFT is proud to have supplied troops in the Middle East with living quarters. Other unique products include the heavy industrial fabric used on the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), more commonly termed the hovercraft. FSFT also produces all the reinforcement materials used in Firestone EPDM and TPO roofing systems.
About Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products (BFDP):
Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products (BFDP), based in Indianapolis, is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH). BFDP is responsible for BSAH’s non-tire businesses, including building and industrial products, synthetic polymers, natural rubber, and fibers and textiles.