Bridgestone celebrates 50 years of operations at Bandag retread plant in Abilene, Texas

Nashville, TN ― Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (Bridgestone), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, announced its Bandag retread plant in Abilene, Texas recently celebrated 50 years of operations. The Abilene Plant began manufacturing in 1971 and continues to play a vital role in the local community today by employing more than 170 people.

The Abilene Plant services direct and indirect customers through the production of high-quality pre-cured truck tread, rubber cement and solvent packaging.

“This is a milestone that we are proud to reach thanks to the dedication of so many who have invested in our plant – first and foremost, our employees and retirees, as well as the ongoing support of our customers who know and expect the best tread rubber from Bandag, the local community, and the state of Texas,” said Tom Cunningham, plant manager, Abilene Plant, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC.

The 200,000 square-foot Abilene Plant is located on a 140-acre site. During its 50 years in operation, the Abilene Plant has received several certifications for safety, quality and environmental, including ISO 9001 & 14001 certifications, safety and health improvement awards in 2014, 2016 and 2018, and several local environmental awards, including the Keep Abilene Beautiful Recycling Award in 2015.

“I want to thank our Abilene employees, past and present, for their contributions to the retread industry and our Bandag dealer network over the past 50 years,” said Chris Daniel, executive director, Bandag Manufacturing, Bridgestone Americas. “Truck drivers, fleets, and the transportation industry around the world depend on Bandag retreads to get the job done. This is a testament to Bandag’s commitment to innovation, flexibility, quality and excellence in manufacturing that continues to guide operations at our Abilene Plant today.”

Year over year, the Abilene Plant team demonstrates the Bridgestone global corporate social responsibility commitment Our Way to Serve through partnerships and community volunteer projects with Keep Abilene Beautiful, the Development Corporation of Abilene, and many other local community outreach programs. 

“The team in Abilene is a great example of what makes our brand the industry leader. The Bandag spirit has been alive and well for 50 years in Abilene through their relentless focus on quality, safety, community and sustainability. We look forward to many more years in Abilene and all the communities Bandag teammates call home,” said Jason Roanhouse, executive director, Bandag Operations.