DisruptED in Advanced Manufacturing: The Bridgestone Story with Will Robbins Pt. 1

The automotive world is seeing some unprecedented change, and the tire industry is no exception. As electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity, sustainability is a major concern. With new mobility trends emerging, companies like Bridgestone are at the forefront of innovation. Additionally, with the popularity of vehicles on the road being fitted with Bridgestone or Firestone tires, the company's impact on transportation is undeniable.

How are Bridgestone Tires adapting to technological disruptions, and what role does sustainability play in the future of the industry?

On this episode of "DisruptED," host Ron J. Stefanski welcomed Will Robbins, Executive Director of Strategic and Product Portfolio Planning at Bridgestone Americas. Robbins is a 20-year industry veteran, shares insights into Bridgestone's approach to innovation, sustainability, and the evolving landscape of the tire business.

During the episode the two discussed how:

• Electric vehicles create unique demands on tires due to increased weight, torque, and alignment differences, requiring specialized solutions.
• Bridgestone is leading the charge toward 100 percent renewable and recycled materials by 2050,
• Bridgestone's Bandag brand extends the life of commercial truck tires through retreading, significantly reducing waste and promoting cost-efficiency for fleet operators.

Will Robbins is the Executive Director of Strategic and Product Portfolio Planning at Bridgestone Americas. He has over two decades of experience in the automotive and tire industry, and has played a key role in developing innovative product strategies that address the needs of a rapidly evolving market. Robbins has a background in mechanical engineering and has worked extensively with major automotive OEMs.