South Carolina Agency Recognizes Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Facility With Earth Day AwardDepartment of Health and Environmental Control honors environmental initiatives
AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (April 14, 2010) - The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today recognized the Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) plant in Aiken County, S.C., with the 2010 DHEC Earth Day Award for Large Businesses.
“We work every day to ensure we are operating in an efficient, environmentally friendly way,” said John Stewart, Aiken County Plant Manager, BATO. “It is an honor to be recognized as an environmental leader in our state. Our Aiken County co-workers should certainly be proud of this recognition.”
In presenting the Earth Day Award, DHEC acknowledged the Aiken County facility’s environmental initiatives and achievements. As part of the global Bridgestone Group’s “One Team, One Planet” program, the Aiken County facility:
- Voluntarily eliminated Indirect Hazardous Air Pollutants from its manufacturing process.
- Implemented innovative manufacturing operations that, compared to similar manufacturing facilities, release 130 fewer tons of Volatile Organic Compound emissions each year.
- Converted 26 formerly battery-powered forklifts to hydrogen fuel cell power and transitioned other diesel-powered maintenance equipment to 20 percent bio-diesel fuels.
- Regularly hosts environmental education events for student groups.
- Designated preferred parking for co-workers who carpool, ride motorcycles or drive hybrid vehicles.
“The Bridgestone Americas plant in Aiken County has a long record of doing its part and more to help protect South Carolina’s environment,” said Earl Hunter, DHEC Commissioner. “Whether through big projects like Silver LEED Certification or small, simple innovations like reserved parking for employees who carpool, the company enthusiastically embraces environmental stewardship and sustainability. The Aiken County plant truly leads by example.”
Beginning operations in 1998, the Aiken County plant has received several environmental recognitions. For example, the facility earned LEED (U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification in 2009, a designation that acknowledges excellent energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and resource stewardship. In addition, the Wildlife Habitat Council has certified the facility’s 560-acre wildlife habitat under the group’s Corporate Lands for Learning and Wildlife at Work programs. A charter member of South Carolina’s Environmental Excellence Program, the Aiken County plant received a Special Commendation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Wildlife Habitat Council for “excellence in environmental protection and wildlife habitat restoration” in 2008.
The Aiken County plant employs 1,097 people and produces passenger and light truck tires.
About Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) is a business unit of Bridgestone Americas, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. Reporting into the BATO business unit are the company's Latin American tire operations, the U.S. and Canadian consumer tire businesses and the U.S. and Canadian commercial tire businesses. BATO develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The business unit is focused on retail, wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in the Americas. In addition, through its Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions unit, retreading customers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise, providing them with a total tire solution.