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Bridgestone Americas Press Center

September 30, 2019 Nashville, Tenn.

Firestone Industrial Products Expands Operations in Europe to Meet Growing Demand for Air Suspension

Company to invest in expanding Wolsztyn plant and open Distribution Center in Chobienice, Poland

Firestone Industrial products Wolsztyn plant

Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC (FSIP), a leader in developing technology to eliminate vibration in transportation, announced a significant investment to expand the company’s operations in Central Europe. The investment is a direct response to the growing demand for air suspension technologies throughout Europe.

As part of the investment, Firestone Industrial Products, a business unit of Bridgestone Corporation, is adding 2,000 square meters to its existing Wolsztyn, Poland, plant, where the company has manufactured air suspensions for commercial vehicles and passenger cars since 2005. Additionally, Firestone Industrial Products will open a new distribution center nearby in Chobienice, Poland. These expansions will increase the company’s development and production capabilities and support improved logistics for customers.

In Wolsztyn, the expanded plant will be equipped with new, innovative machinery and equipment and an ISO class 8 cleanroom, enabling the company to supply well-known European automotive OEMs. The new facility is planned to be fully operational by the second half of 2020.

The new Chobienice distribution center includes 10,000 square meters of floorspace and is located a short distance from the Wolsztyn manufacturing site, creating an efficient flow of vital products between the facilities.

“Firestone Industrial Products continues to experience growth in the European market. We see more interest from OEMs that want to equip next generation vehicles with the latest air suspension technologies,” said Emily Poladian, president of Firestone Industrial Products.

This is the latest investment in a multiyear strategic expansion. Previously, Bridgestone announced an investment in eight European tire plants, including two in Poland. The automotive segment contributes more than 8% to Poland’s gross domestic product, and Poland is one of the top 10 largest automotive exporters in the world.

Investing in our manufacturing and distribution facilities in Europe is a crucial part of the company’s continued effort to respond to market demand and offer best-in-class logistics support. Firestone Industrial Products looks forward to continuing to support our partners with the expanded capabilities at our Wolsztyn plant and Chobienice distribution center,” said Pawel Krystek, plant manager, Wolsztyn, Firestone Industrial Products.

Investing in our manufacturing and distribution facilities in Europe is a crucial part of the company’s continued effort to respond to market demand and offer best-in-class logistics support.
Pawel Krystek, plant manager, Wolsztyn, Firestone Industrial Products Click to Tweet

About Firestone Industrial Products:

Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, specializes in air spring manufacturing and technology with a history of more than 80 years of research and development on technologically advanced air springs for the global marketplace. Firestone Industrial Products manufactures air springs and related products for commercial trucks and trailers, cars, sport utility vehicles, light trucks, mini vans, motor homes, buses, agricultural equipment, rail and industrial applications. The company has quality-certified manufacturing/assembly plants and technical centers in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.

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