Bridgestone confirms move ‘downtown’

Reports published yesterday on Bridgestone Americas’ upcoming move to a new headquarters have been confirmed by the tyre maker. In a statement, the Bridgestone subsidiary said it will move its headquarters to downtown Nashville following the completion of its new facility in mid-to-late 2017. The new headquarters will house more than 1,700 employees – 1,100 currently based in Nashville and 600 more jobs from three out-of state business units that are being relocated to the city.

Gary Garfield, CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas, was joined at a press conference by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and other officials. “Uniting teammates from our core business units in one location is fundamental to continuing to build a bright, sustainable future for our company,” said Garfield. “Under one roof, we will increase collaboration, innovation and growth across our lines of business. Current and future teammates will benefit by being part of an exciting and motivating workplace culture intensely focused on meeting the needs of those who buy our products and services.”

“We are grateful for Bridgestone’s ongoing commitment to Tennessee,” added Bill Haslam. “This is one of our state’s best-known brands and a company that would be more than welcome anywhere in the world. It says a lot for our state that Bridgestone Americas is building a new headquarters and creating more than 600 new jobs here. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the company in the years to come.”

“We received world-class receptions and very competitive offers from several major cities,” continued Garfield. “At the end of the day, Nashville prevailed. The city offers a great quality of life and low business costs, with a reasonable cost of living for our teammates. Downtown Nashville is vibrant and growing. And the support and leadership shown by the State of Tennessee, Nashville Metro government and the Tennessee Valley Authority really made our decision clear.”

Subject to approvals from the Nashville Metropolitan Council, Industrial Development Board and the State, the planned 514,000-square-foot (47,750 square metre), 30-storey headquarters building will break ground in early 2015 with planned occupancy in the third quarter of 2017. Upon completion, the facility will be one of the largest and tallest corporate headquarters buildings in Nashville. Bridgestone has opted not to disclose the financial terms of the project.

Bridgestone has outgrown its current leased headquarters facility on Marriott Drive near Nashville International Airport. With its lease expiring in late 2017, the company launched an extensive search for a new headquarters location to support future growth. The new headquarters will be home to Bridgestone Americas’ corporate staff and supporting functions, as well as Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC; Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC; Firestone Building Products Company, LLC; and Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC. Nashville was selected after a nationwide search by a Bridgestone team that included leaders from multiple business units and functional areas.

“We’re excited to continue the discussion with the Nashville Metro Council and Industrial Development Board, as well as the State, to make this project a reality. Locating here makes perfect sense, given Bridgestone’s existing strong presence in and deep ties to Nashville and Middle Tennessee. And, I know that our Nashville-based teammates will look forward to welcoming their teammates to a new home in a city they love,” concluded Garfield.