(Nashville, Tenn., 3-23-05) Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) and Ryder System, Inc. are extending their agreement – a successful collaboration that began in 1990. BFNT supplies Ryder’s new tire needs, while Bandag, Incorporated, the nation’s largest retreader, provides Ryder with retreading services.
“This contract extension is a result of a strong partnership that combines best practices to create a more streamlined, efficient and successful way of doing business,” said Timothy Fiore, Ryder’s senior vice president and chief procurement officer. “We look forward to an ongoing relationship with Bridgestone Firestone and Bandag that will continue to drive new efficiencies throughout our fleet.”
According to Ty Cross, vice president of maintenance for Ryder, “This is more than an agreement to purchase tires, but rather a quality solution that addresses the highly specific needs and demands of our transportation network while generating value for Ryder’s 15,000 customers.”
“We are pleased to announce the extension,” said Singh Ahluwalia, president, commercial products, truck and bus tires, BFNT. “This contract symbolizes a true collaboration wherein three companies, Bridgestone Firestone, Ryder and Bandag, utilize their strengths to deliver remarkable solutions for our customers. We look forward to reaching new benchmarks of innovation and quality service in the years to come.”
“Ryder is one of the most successful transportation, leasing and logistics companies in the world, and we at Bridgestone Firestone are privileged to help contribute to that success,” said Tom Rozuk, manager, national fleet sales, BFNT. “Our companies collaborate by putting solid teams together, using the best products to reduce operating costs and implementing efficiencies that benefit both organizations.
“This is why Bridgestone Firestone and Ryder are still working together after 15 years, and plan on continuing to do so,” continued Rozuk.
Bridgestone and Bandag dealers provide local Ryder facilities with just-in-time inventory, tire maintenance, wheel maintenance, retreading and emergency road services. Since 1990, Ryder has purchased over 4.9 million original equipment and replacement tires – that’s nearly 1,000 new Bridgestone tires every single day.
