Firestone and Liberia –
About Firestone Natural Rubber Company
Since 1926, Firestone Natural Rubber Company has worked with the people of Liberia to create a thriving natural rubber industry and to provide critical — and, in many cases, otherwise unavailable — social services to its Liberian teammates and their families. After more than 80 years of investment, the Firestone Liberia location — covering almost 200 square miles — is the largest single natural rubber operation in the world. With the product supplied by the Firestone-Liberia partnership, Firestone Natural Rubber Company provides its high quality rubber and latex to:
- Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
- Specialty compounders
- Manufacturers of
- Vital medical components
- Carpet backing
- Adhesives
- Coatings
- Condoms
- Additional dipped goods
Firestone's operations were not spared during Liberia's civil war. Its factory, worker housing, schools, power transmission, vehicles and hospital were severely damaged, which was not only the result of looting and vandalism but 14 years in which the company was unable to invest in maintaining these critical facilities. Despite the challenges, Firestone Natural Rubber Company remains committed to the country and the people of Liberia.
The company has invested more than $107 million in projects that are helping Liberia rebuild and improve living standards. New housing, schools, healthcare facilities and free rubber tree saplings provided to Liberian farmers are helping to secure the future for thousands of families in the country.
