Bridgestone Americas announced its first ground solar array providing power directly to the manufacturing process. The new solar array is located at the company's Aiken County, South Carolina, Passenger/Light Truck Tire Plant in Graniteville, South Carolina. The new installation includes approximately 8 acres of solar panels that generate 2 megawatts of energy while reducing 1,400 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to the annual electricity use of over 200 homes.

"At Bridgestone, sustainability is core to our business and integrated into every level of our operation. Our global sustainability framework includes important goals in reducing CO2 emissions by 50 percent by 2030, as we strive toward our long-term environmental target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050," said Paolo Ferrari, president & CEO, Bridgestone Americas, and executive vice president and executive officer, Bridgestone Corporation. "This solar array is another positive step in Bridgestone's journey to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society for all."

Consistent with Bridgestone's commitment to protect the environment, the Aiken County Passenger Tire Plant sends zero operations waste to the landfill.

"Renewable energy has many benefits for the environment and Bridgestone, most notably the reduction in CO2 emissions and reduced energy costs," said Jim DeMouy, vice president, Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability, Bridgestone Americas. "Bridgestone is grateful for the support of state and local leaders and community partners who worked with us to make this solar array a reality."

The Aiken County Passenger Tire Plant was LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and is a Certified Habitat by the National Wildlife Habitat Council. Bridgestone has operated the Aiken County Passenger Tire Plant in Graniteville since 1998, producing passenger and light truck tires for original equipment manufacturers and retail. The plant celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2018.

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Bridgestone install solar panels to power its tire plant in South Carolina