Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. says it has made "significant progress" toward a decision about the future of its technical center in Akron, Ohio.
Six months ago, Bridgestone Americas announced its intention to create a "world class" tech center, "either by updating and extensively renovating the existing facility in Akron or building a new one in Akron or the Middle Tennessee area."
The company has been evaluating two proposals in Tennessee (Nashville and Murfreesboro, a Nashville suburb) and three proposals in the Akron area (the existing facility on the south side of Akron, and the Firestone Park and White Pond Drive neighborhoods).
Bridgestone Americas recently eliminated the Nashville and White Pond sites, "as well as the possibility of renovating," from consideration.
It is now "focused on completing its evaluation of the Murfreesboro and Firestone Park proposals. A number of points in these proposals must be clarified before a final recommendation will be made to senior management," say Bridgestone Americas officials.
"Bridgestone Americas is committed to finding a course of action that is best for the company and its teammates."
The final recommendation must be approved by Bridgestone Americas' board, as well as the board of directors of Bridgestone Corp., its parent company.
