Basque Award Acknowledges Bridgestone Contribution to Region

Bridgestone has received the 2010 ‘Euskal Makila’ award from the government of Spain’s Basque Autonomous Community in recognition of the company’s long-term contribution to the region’s economy. The award was presented to Bridgestone Spain chief financial officer Joseba Luzarraga by Carlos Aguirre, minister of Economy and Finance for the Basque government, in the presence of Kepa Hernández, manager of Bridgestone’s Bilbao plant and Jesús Blanco, the company’s director of Human Resources, at a gala ceremony in Bilbao.

The Euskal Makila award recognises foreign companies and individuals that make a sustained contribution to the Basque economy. In deciding a recipient for the 2010 award, the jury took into account that Bridgestone is one of the longest-standing multinational companies in the region. It also underlined Bridgestone’s contribution to the growth of local industry, helping to establish the Basque area as a key player in the national and European automotive industry.

Bridgestone has been in the Basque region for almost 80 years and operates a truck and bus tyre manufacturing plant in Bilbao and a textile facility in Usánsolo, employing more than 1,000 workers. “When the ‘Makila’ baton is given to a foreigner, it is a sign of respect,” stated Mr. Blanco at the ceremony. “Bridgestone is honoured to receive this token of respect from the Basque government.”