Third in a series of stories highlighting partner activities supporting the efforts against COVID-19

Bridgestone, the parent company of Firestone brand, is working across its footprint in the United States to play a leading role in providing critical products, services and support to essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight.

The Bridgestone Americas Technical Center in Akron, Ohio, which designs the Firestone Racing tires used by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and manages the production of around 5,000 tires for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge alone, has been repurposing teams and technology to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for local Ohio hospitals.

“Our most important priority is always the safety and well-being of our teammates, customers, fans and communities – and we’re focused on that now more than ever,” said Lisa Boggs, director of motorsports, Bridgestone Americas. “Just like everyone else, our teams are doing what they can to help in this fight and look forward to when we can return to racing.”

Employees at the technical center are using the company’s prototyping technology, as well as their own personal 3D printers, to produce face shields that are being donated to local hospitals and front-line workers in Northeast Ohio.

These shields cover a larger portion of the face than masks, and they are typically made from plastic and other materials that allow for cleaning and reuse.

In addition to supporting local public health workers in Northeast Ohio, Bridgestone Americas is using its essential businesses and employees to aid in the COVID-19 fight elsewhere throughout the United States.

Through its Bridgestone Retail Operations business, which includes Firestone Complete Auto Care stores located throughout the country, Bridgestone is embedded in local communities and is providing services to those that are critical to stopping the transmission of the disease.

All Bridgestone Retail Operations locations have remained open during this pandemic to serve as an essential service provider for local communities. These locations offer tires, auto repair and auto maintenance.

These retail locations have also enacted strict safety measures that go beyond enhanced cleaning and sanitization. When visiting an auto care location for essential auto service, contact-free services and curbside drop-off are available for customers.

Bridgestone Retail Operations also is using its partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of America and assisting children and families in need.

From January to March, Bridgestone Retail Operations has collected $840,000 in customer donations for the Boys and Girls Club of America which is now being directed to the organization’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. The money will be used across the United States to maintain critical services at local clubs, such as emergency childcare, meals for children, virtual classroom activities and much more.