InfraStructures - April 2008 - Bridgestone voted "Tyre Manufacturer of the Year"

Bridgestone voted "Tyre Manufacturer of the Year"

Bridgestone has been voted "Tyre Manufacturer of the Year" in the first-ever Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence. The company received the award at a gala ceremony attended by around 1000 industry professionals and members of the press at the Tire Technology Expo in Cologne last February.

The Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence is organized by Tire Technology International magazine, the world's only publication dedicated to tire technology, design and manufacturing.

An independent, international jury of 15 tire professionals, engineers and academics evaluated each nomination and attributed awards in five categories: tire manufacturing and design innovation; environmental achievement; tire technology of the year; tire industry supplier of the year; and tire manufacturer of the year.

Bridgestone was awarded for numerous achievements over the previous 12 months including the expansion of both its Technical Centre and Proving Ground in Europe the only proving ground in Europe that can test all types of tire configuration on all types of road surfaces. Bridgestone was also cited for its production of advanced radial tires for the first Airbus A380, projects to improve the ecological balance of its activities and work on the global road safety campaign "Think Before You Drive".

As jury member Dr. Roger Williams, consultant and ex-technical director of a major international tire group, explained: "With its European Technical Centre in Rome, Bridgestone shows its recognition of Europe's importance in the development of vehicles and tires. It is very important that the company works in Europe, and it's amazing to see the major tire manufacturer in the east developing its research in Europe."

"We are extremely proud to have won the 2008 award for Manufacturer of the Year" commented Takashi Urano, of Bridgestone Europe. "Bridgestone's achievements on a European and international level will consolidate our position as a truly global leader in the rubber and tire business, both in name and reality."

Source: Bridgestone Europe