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News

Firestone Building Products Company, LLC Launches Environmental Initiative In PrescottProjects earn Wildlife Habitat Council certification

PRESCOTT, Ark. (Oct. 9, 2009) Attention all Arkansas hummingbirds and songbirds: teammates from the Firestone Building Products Company, LLC facility in Prescott, Ark., are building you a new home. Teaming up with the Wildlife Habitat Council and a diverse array of community groups and local volunteers, the Prescott facility is converting more than 4 acres of turf grass into native plant landscapes.

Teammates and local volunteers began work in June, planting a 2-acre native grass and wildflower meadow. A second project, a 2-acre nature trail encompassing a hummingbird sanctuary, rock garden and 7,200-square-foot pond complete with a waterfall and gazebos, is currently under construction. The Wildlife Habitat Council recently recognized the projects with Wildlife at Work certification.

We are very excited about these new environmental initiatives at the plant and honored to receive the Wildlife Habitat Council certification, said FSBP teammate Patricia Mathis, who is leading the initiative as Wildlife Habitat Leader. Converting a portion of our property from useless turf grass into a wildlife habitat area is another way our facility can have a positive impact on our immediate environment and local animal life.

The projects have brought together a diverse cast of individuals, organizations and companies that have volunteered their time or provided discounts for project materials. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; the Nevada County Extension Office; Steve Boeckman Excavation; Taylor Lawn and Landscape; Pittmans Landscape Planners; Browns Plumbing Company, Inc.; South Ark Electric, Inc.; Rowe & Day Construction, Inc.; Pond Market; Gilbert Lumber & Supply; Goldens Industrial Services, Inc.; Hope Boy Scouts Troop 5; local farmers James Cornelius and Kevin Sanford; Gregg Mathis, retired biologist; and Brenda Dice, master gardener, have all contributed to the habitats.

Our property enhancement projects have provided a great opportunity for us to reach out and work with the community to do something good for the environment and native animal species, said Ray Oxley, Prescott Plant Manager, FSBP. The response we have received has been wonderful. We feel very fortunate to be working alongside so many great volunteers.

As the native landscapes fully develop over the next two years, they will provide a habitat for native hummingbirds, small mammals and grassland songbirds, as well as butterflies, caterpillars and bees. Upon completion, the facility also plans to open the nature trail to surrounding schools for use as an educational tool. To that end, project teams have compiled research on every native tree, shrub and flower that will be planted within the habitat.

The FSBP Prescott facility produces EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) high-performance synthetic rubber roofing systems.

About Firestone Building Products Company, LLC:
Firestone Building Products Company, LLC (FSBP) is a leading manufacturer of EPDM, TPO, asphalt and metal roofing systems, polyiso insulation, and accessories for the commercial roofing industry. In addition to superior roofing products, FSBP offers installation expertise and product support through a technical services department and an international network of roofing contractors, distributors and field sales representatives. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., FSBP is a subsidiary of Firestone Diversified Products, LLC (FSDP). Visit the FSBP Web site at www.firestonebpco.com.

About Firestone Diversified Products, LLC:
Firestone Diversified Products, LLC (FSDP) is based in Indianapolis, Ind., and is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM). FSDP is responsible for BSAMs non-tire businesses, including building and industrial products, natural rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles.