Bridgestone/Firestone engages Rockwell Automation to improve production

Milwaukee, Wis. - Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. (Nashville, Tenn.) has entered into an agreement with Rockwell Automation Global Manufacturing Solutions business for the implementation of a RAAMP Agreement with Extended Warranty and Parts Repair at the company's Warren County, Tenn. plant.

By Gary A. Mintchell, senior editor October 29, 2001

Milwaukee, Wis. – Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. (Nashville, Tenn.) has entered into an agreement with Rockwell Automation Global Manufacturing Solutions business for the implementation of a RAAMP Agreement with Extended Warranty and Parts Repair at the company’s Warren County, Tenn. plant. Designed to streamline maintenance repair and operations (MRO) activities, the program tracks the problems that lead to unplanned downtime, indicating repair needs, reducing spare-part inventory, and lowering repair-related MRO expenses.

‘We selected Rockwell Automation because the company understands the business and operational challenges manufacturers face,’ said Cecil Morris, the plant’s purchasing manager.

Rockwell Automation Asset Management Portfolio (RAAMP) combines a customized maintenance inventory software solution with several modularized maintenance, repair-related consulting services designed to maximize asset management investment and enhance profitability. The system will allow the Bridgestone/Firestone plant to track repairable assets in real-time, streamline parts inventory, improve maintenance reliability, compile performance data on equipment, and recoup lost warranty dollars.

Assisted by an onsite Rockwell Automation specialist, maintenance managers will be able to track individual parts by serial numbers and trace histories, including machine of origin, date of failure, repair performed and repair date. Additionally, as managers evaluate equipment for reliability and life span against warranties, the RAAMP program will provide information allowing Bridgestone/Firestone to examine maintenance issues on a deeper level of detail — addressing the root-cause of downtime and improving the quality of the production process.

Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corp. manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and house, and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and industrial products. The company employs approximately 41,000 employees in North America, more than 21,000 of them in the company’s retail network.

Rockwell Automation is a $4.3 billion provider of industrial automation, power, control, and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company’s brands include Dodge mechanical power transmission products, Reliance Electric motors and drives, Allen-Bradley controls and engineered services, and Rockwell Software factory management software. The company also provides contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. The company employs approximately 23,500 people at more than 450 locations serving customers in more than 80 countries.