Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (Bridgestone) today announced its Wilson, North Carolina passenger tire manufacturing facility achieved recertification as a Rising Star in the North Carolina Department of Labor’s (NCDOL) Carolina Star Program, which recognizes employers and workers for implementing effective safety and health management systems and maintaining low injury and illness rates. The Carolina Star Program is part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).
“At Bridgestone Americas, the well-being and safety of our employees, contractors and visitors is our most important value, and the Wilson plant’s recertification as a Rising Star is a reflection of the partnership between the NCDOL, the Wilson Tire Plant and its employees and contractors,” said Vergil Norrod, plant manager, the Wilson Tire Plant. “This recognition speaks to the commitment, dedication and diligence of each of our employees who put their heart and soul into their work every day at this plant. Every one of them should be proud of their contributions to this achievement. By enabling safe procedures in our facilities, we’re able to consistently provide our customers with high-quality tires.”
The Carolina Star Program is designed to recognize and promote effective safety and health management procedures across the state. Program participants proactively partner with the North Carolina Department of Labor’s OSHA Division to advance and enable safe business practices to help prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses.
The Wilson Tire Plant has been a leader in tire manufacturing innovation throughout its 46 years of operations. The Wilson Tire Plant manufactures passenger and light truck radial tires as well as original equipment tires as a part of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. As the single largest industrial employer in Wilson County, the plant employs 1,800 people. Bridgestone plays an active role in the Wilson community, and is a major contributor last year to the United Way of Wilson County’s campaign.
