Bridgestone
1930, The first Bridgestone tire was produced by the "Tabi" Socks Tire Division in Japan.
Shojiro Ishibashi officially founded Bridgestone Tire Co., Ltd. in Kurume, Fukuoka.
The name “Bridgestone” is a direct translation of his surname—“Ishi” (stone) and “bashi” (bridge).
The company aimed to develop tire technology based on Japanese innovation rather than relying on Western expertise.
In 1960, Bridgestone began producing radial tires, a major technological leap,
expanded production facilities across Japan and into Asia and Oceania.
In 1983, it acquired a U.S. plant from Firestone in Tennessee, establishing a foothold in North America.
Follow by, officially became Bridgestone Corporation, reflecting its broader ambitions.
Bridgestone acquired the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company for $2.65 billion, a bold move that transformed it into a global powerhouse, and
merged U.S. operations to form Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
As of 2023, Bridgestone operates 181 production facilities in 24 countries and remains the largest tire manufacturer in the world,
ahead of Michelin and Goodyear
