AKRON, Ohio -- Bridgestone Americas has announced that the Nashville-based tire maker will continue manufacturing its Firestone race tires in Akron for at least two more years.
Company representatives and city officials confirmed a two-year lease extension on Bridgestone's Advanced Technology Workshop in the original Firestone Tire and Rubber Company's Plant One building on Wednesday.
The move will preserve more than 50 highly skilled jobs at the facility, where workers make tires for IndyCar open-wheel racing.
Bridgestone officials called the plant one of the company's most historic and unique in North America.
Mayor Dan Horrigan says the city looks forward to continuing its "long and successful" partnership with Bridgestone.
Sam DeShazior, Akron's deputy mayor for economic development, called Bridgestone's decision not to relocate the plant "a boost in the arm."
