# Firestone Tire and Rubber Company

> American tire and rubber company

**Wikidata**: [Q420837](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q420837)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firestone_(company))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/firestone-tire-and-rubber-company

## Summary
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is an American tire and rubber manufacturer founded in 1900, originally based in Akron, Ohio, and now headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a subsidiary of the Japanese multinational Bridgestone and has played a significant role in the tire industry, including producing specialized tires for Formula One and military vehicles.

## Key Facts
- Founded on January 1, 1900, in Akron, Ohio, United States.
- Currently headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Employed approximately 23,000 people.
- Acquired by Bridgestone, a Japanese multinational manufacturer, in 1988.
- Founder: Harvey Samuel Firestone, an American businessman.
- Produces tires for various applications, including Formula One racing and military vehicles like the M113 armored personnel carrier.
- Associated with military equipment such as the T18 Howitzer Motor Carriage, MGM-5 Corporal (first U.S. guided nuclear weapon), and T34 Calliope (introduced in 1943).
- Operates websites at [firestone.com](https://www.firestone.com/), [firestonecompleteautocare.com](https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/), and [firestone.com.mx](https://www.firestone.com.mx/).
- Also known by aliases: Firestone, Bridgestone-Firestone.

## FAQs

**When was Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founded?**
Firestone was founded on January 1, 1900, in Akron, Ohio, by Harvey Samuel Firestone.

**Where is Firestone headquartered today?**
The company is now headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the capital and largest city of Tennessee.

**Who owns Firestone Tire and Rubber Company?**
Firestone is owned by Bridgestone, a Japanese multinational tire and rubber manufacturer founded in 1931.

**What types of products does Firestone produce?**
Firestone manufactures tires for consumer, commercial, and specialized applications, including Formula One racing tires and tires for military vehicles like the M113 armored personnel carrier.

**What is Firestone’s connection to the military?**
Firestone has supplied tires and rubber components for military equipment, including the M113 armored personnel carrier, T18 Howitzer Motor Carriage, MGM-5 Corporal (the first U.S. guided nuclear weapon), and T34 Calliope (a rocket-launching tank introduced in 1943).

**How many employees does Firestone have?**
Firestone employs approximately 23,000 people.

**What are some notable people associated with Firestone?**
Harvey Samuel Firestone, the company’s founder, was a prominent American businessman. Additionally, Chuck Hagel, a former U.S. Senator and Secretary of Defense, has been affiliated with the company.

## Why It Matters
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company has been a cornerstone of the American tire and rubber industry for over a century, contributing to both civilian and military applications. Its innovations in tire technology have supported automotive advancements, including high-performance racing tires for Formula One and durable tires for military vehicles. As a subsidiary of Bridgestone, Firestone remains a key player in the global tire market, influencing transportation safety, efficiency, and performance. The company’s historical role in supplying critical materials for military equipment during World War II and the Cold War further underscores its importance in U.S. industrial and defense history.

## Notable For
- Being one of the oldest and most recognizable tire brands in the United States, founded in 1900.
- Pioneering tire technology for both consumer and specialized applications, including Formula One racing.
- Supplying tires for iconic military vehicles such as the M113 armored personnel carrier and the T34 Calliope rocket-launching tank.
- Its acquisition by Bridgestone in 1988, making it part of one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers.
- The leadership of Harvey Samuel Firestone, a key figure in the early American automotive industry.
- Its long-standing presence in Akron, Ohio, a historic hub for the U.S. rubber industry.

## Body

### History and Founding
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was established on January 1, 1900, in Akron, Ohio, by Harvey Samuel Firestone, an American businessman. Akron, known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" in the early 20th century, provided an ideal environment for the company’s growth. Firestone quickly became a major player in the tire industry, capitalizing on the rising demand for automobile tires as the automotive industry expanded.

### Headquarters and Operations
Originally based in Akron, Firestone later relocated its headquarters to Nashville, Tennessee, the capital and largest city of Tennessee. The move reflected the company’s evolution and strategic shifts in its operations. Today, Firestone operates as a subsidiary of Bridgestone, a Japanese multinational corporation founded in 1931 and headquartered in Tokyo.

### Products and Innovations
Firestone is primarily known for its tire manufacturing, producing a wide range of products for consumer vehicles, commercial trucks, and specialized applications. The company has been involved in high-performance tire development, including tires for Formula One racing cars, which are designed to maximize traction and speed. Additionally, Firestone has a history of supplying tires for military vehicles, contributing to U.S. defense efforts.

Key military applications include:
- **M113 Armored Personnel Carrier**: A widely used tracked armored vehicle.
- **T18 Howitzer Motor Carriage**: A self-propelled gun used during World War II.
- **MGM-5 Corporal**: The first guided weapon authorized by the United States to carry a nuclear warhead.
- **T34 Calliope**: A rocket-launching variant of the Sherman tank, introduced in 1943.

### Ownership and Corporate Structure
In 1988, Firestone was acquired by Bridgestone, integrating the company into a global tire and rubber manufacturing network. Bridgestone, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, has maintained Firestone as a distinct brand while leveraging its expertise and market presence. The acquisition strengthened Bridgestone’s position in the North American market and expanded Firestone’s global reach.

### Key People
- **Harvey Samuel Firestone**: The company’s founder, Firestone was a visionary businessman who played a crucial role in the early development of the automotive and tire industries. His leadership helped establish Firestone as a trusted name in tires.
- **Chuck Hagel**: A former U.S. Senator and Secretary of Defense, Hagel has been affiliated with Firestone, reflecting the company’s connections to both industry and government.

### Affiliations and Partnerships
Firestone’s collaborations extend beyond the automotive sector. The company’s work with military contractors and defense programs highlights its role in supporting national security. Additionally, Firestone’s involvement in motorsports, particularly Formula One, demonstrates its commitment to innovation and performance in high-stakes environments.

### Workforce and Global Presence
Firestone employs approximately 23,000 people, contributing to its operations across the United States and internationally. The company’s websites—[firestone.com](https://www.firestone.com/), [firestonecompleteautocare.com](https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/), and [firestone.com.mx](https://www.firestone.com.mx/)—serve as platforms for customer engagement, product information, and service offerings.

### Legacy and Impact
Firestone’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of the American automotive industry. From its early days in Akron to its current operations under Bridgestone, the company has consistently adapted to technological and market changes. Its contributions to military vehicles during critical periods, such as World War II and the Cold War, underscore its importance beyond commercial tire manufacturing. Today, Firestone remains a symbol of durability, innovation, and reliability in the tire industry.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-oct-11-fi-34739-story.html)
2. [Source](https://www.deseret.com/2004/1/8/19805278/bridgestone-chief-retiring)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
6. Name Suggestion Index