Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Establishes Bridgestone Commercial Solutions Group
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 5, 2011) - Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) today announced that it has realigned two of its divisions, Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions and Off Road Tire, U.S. & Canada Tire Sales, into one new group, Bridgestone Commercial Solutions Group. Kurt Danielson has been named President of the newly formed group and will report to Saul Solomon, Executive Vice President, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM); and President, U.S. & Canada Commercial Tire Operations, BATO.
“Our vision is to be the clear leader in our industries,” said Saul Solomon. “This realignment puts the right people in the right places. Kurt is a strong leader and will be able to bring this team together in a way that optimizes our strengths and expertise to better serve our customers.”
Danielson said: “Our business is to provide solution for our customers. We believe that by creating one team for our new truck tire, retread and OTR business we’ll better leverage our talent, create a more cohesive team and offer a higher level of service.”
As a result of this realignment, there will be reductions in the workforce. The company expects to eliminate approximately 30 positions, which includes eight open positions, effective immediately.
“While these are difficult decisions, they were made in a manner designed to ensure fairness and to put a stronger focus on our customers’ needs,” Danielson said. “Further, this action reflects a commitment to make sound decisions that will benefit our customers and our business for the long term.”
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; the U.S. and Canadian commercial tire businesses; and Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC, which operates the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world. 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 Commercial Solutions Group, retreading customers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise, providing them with a total tire solution.