Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, now a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, was founded in 1909 by Harvey Firestone. From its early beginnings, Firestone built a strong reputation in tire manufacturing, vehicle repair, and maintenance services, helping establish the brand as a long-standing leader in the automotive industry.
Firestone’s commitment to quality products and customer service has fueled its continued growth. Today, there are over 1,600 Firestone locations, with plans to expand by approximately 50 additional stores each year. A major factor behind this success has been Firestone’s focus on skilled talent and innovation.
Racing Heritage & Industry Leadership
Harvey Firestone played a significant role in motorsports, progressing from a newcomer to a highly respected figure in racing. Firestone’s impact on racing is especially notable at the Indianapolis 500, where the company has supported winning drivers more than 60 times. This deep motorsports involvement helped strengthen Firestone’s reputation for performance and durability.
When Firestone first began operations, the company employed just 12 workers. Alongside its primary competitor, Goodyear, Firestone dominated the North American tire market for more than 75 years.
One of Firestone’s most significant achievements occurred in 1926, when the company established a rubber plantation in Liberia, West Africa. Covering over one million acres, it became the largest rubber plantation in the world at the time, securing a vital supply of raw materials.
Firestone also entered the automotive service industry by opening its first Firestone Complete Auto Care store, expanding beyond tire manufacturing into vehicle repair and maintenance.
In 1932, Firestone built a major manufacturing plant in Memphis, Tennessee. At its peak, the Memphis facility employed more than 3,000 workers and became the company’s largest tire production plant worldwide. On July 1, 1963, Firestone celebrated the production of its 100 millionth tire at this location. Although the Memphis plant closed in 1982, it remains one of Firestone’s most notable accomplishments.