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Firestone Fibers & Textiles Company, LLC Celebrates 75th Anniversary Community leaders congratulate company at celebration

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. (June 18, 2010) - Firestone Fibers & Textiles Company, LLC (FSFT) today commemorated 75 years of operations in Gaston County with a picnic and celebration alongside company and community leaders at its facility in Kings Mountain, N.C.

“This is a great day for our company,” said Tim Dunn, President, FSFT. “From achieving 1 million safe hours worked to donating tens of thousands of dollars to charitable organizations through the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, I am proud of all that our teammates have accomplished and the impact the company has had on the Gaston County and Cleveland County communities. We certainly look forward to a bright future in Gastonia and Kings Mountain.”

A group of state and community leaders joined in the 75th anniversary celebration, including Rep. Tim Moore and Rep. William Current of the North Carolina General Assembly as well as Kings Mountain Mayor Rick Murphrey and Brenda Craig, a representative from Gastonia Mayor Jenny Stultz’s office.

“I congratulate you all on this very special anniversary,” Moore said to the crowd of FSFT teammates and family members. “This company has been successful since 1935 because of a dedicated workforce and strong executive leadership. Firestone has built a strong partnership with the community. I know everyone looks forward to many more years with FSFT as a neighbor.”

Senior Executives from Firestone Diversified Products, LLC (FSDP), the parent company of FSFT, also attended the gathering.

“FSFT is a great company,” said Ken Weaver, Chairman, CEO and President of FSDP. “From safety and environmental stewardship to community involvement, this team does things the right way. Congratulations on 75 strong years.”

FSFT employs more than 300 teammates in the United States and produces nylon and polyester tire cord as well as other industrial fabrics used in roofing, mechanical rubber goods and U.S. military applications.

About Firestone Fibers & Textiles Company, LLC:
Headquartered in Kings Mountain, N.C., Firestone Fibers & Textiles Company, LLC (FSFT) has three locations in the United States and Canada. FSFT manufactures nylon and polyester tire cord for Bridgestone Americas tire plants and other non-tire product manufacturers, and manufactures other industrial fabrics and nylon resins. In the recent past, FSFT has supplied fabrics used for military tenting for the living quarters of our troops in the Middle East. Other unique products include the heavy industrial fabric used on the Landing Craft Air Cushion, more commonly termed the hovercraft. FSFT also produces all the reinforcement materials used in Firestone EPDM and TPO roofing systems. FSFT is a subsidiary of Firestone Diversified Products, LLC (FSDP).

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 BSAM’s non-tire businesses, including building and industrial products, natural rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles.