Firestone Consolidates Operations to 4 Units

Firestone, embroiled in the recall of tires linked to at least 119 deaths, said it had consolidated operations into four business units to speed decision making and boost accountability at the company. Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., the U.S.-based unit of Japan’s Bridgestone Corp., said its operations will be consolidated immediately into units focusing on U.S. commercial tires, U.S. consumer tires, international tire operations, and manufacturing and technology, Chief Executive John Lampe, said. “These changes are critical moves in our efforts to begin to restore consumer confidence and revitalize the Firestone brand,” he said. Firestone said no layoffs resulted from the consolidation.