Founded in 1931 by Shojiro Ishibashi, Bridgestone or "Stone Bridge" (direct translation from Japanese) was created in Japan. In the 1930's, Japan slowly started producing automobiles, and in 1932 Bridgestone became the first tire manufacturing company to offer tires nationally. By 1983 Bridgestone purchased a tire plant in La Vergne, Tennessee, from Firestone Tire & Rubber. In the twenty first century, Bridgestone became one of the "Big Three" tire companies in the United States. Bridgestone now sells tires to six continents throughout the world.
Bridgestone Tire stands by their "Passion for Excellence" with their vision; "Our passion for the very best in technology, quality, and service is at the heart of our commitment to you wherever you are in the world." Bridgestone's mission is to "inspire and move you."