INDIANAPOLIS, IND., U.S.A. – Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC, a leader in air spring technology, is expanding its presence in Europe with the establishment of Firestone Industrial Products Europe BV, a business support and technical center in the Arnhem region of the Netherlands. Firestone Industrial Products Europe BV will complement the company’s European plant and distribution operations and assist in the manufacturer’s ongoing globalization efforts. Currently located in temporary offices at the Regus business center in Arnhem, Firestone will move into its permanent location in the Ijsseloord 2 Business Park later this year. The center is near Firestone’s European distribution center in Rotterdam and its manufacturing plant in Wolsztyn, Poland.

“Our new location in Arnhem will give Firestone Industrial Products Europe improved geographical proximity to key customers as well as provide enhanced space and logistics for the creation of a state-of-the-art business and technical center,” said Dan Leonard, managing director of Firestone Industrial Products Europe. “By creating an independent operation with a full local support infrastructure, we can deliver faster responses and better service to our European customers, continuing our role as a global leader in the air spring market.”

Firestone Industrial Products Europe BV was created to oversee all of Firestone’s European business operations, including technology, manufacturing, sales, marketing, distribution and business support functions. The company’s Airide™ air springs are designed to level the load, improve the ride quality and reduce suspension wear and tear in heavy duty trucks, trailers, specialty vehicles and more.

Leonard, who is in charge of establishing the center in Arnhem, will relocate a team from Firestone’s London sales office, created in 1977, to Firestone Industrial Products Europe BV. He also has begun hiring professionals from the local Arnhem area.

“We are very thankful to the businesses and officials who have helped – and continue to help – make this upcoming transition a smooth and successful process for Firestone,” Leonard said. “The entire Firestone staff looks forward to becoming a part of the Arnhem community.”

Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products, specializes in air spring manufacturing and technology with a history of more than 60 years of research and development on technologically advanced air springs. Its famous Airide™ brand has set the standard for air spring manufacturing and technology since 1939. Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A., is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., and is responsible for Bridgestone America’s non-tire businesses, including building and industrial products, synthetic and natural rubber, and fiber and textile businesses. For more information, visit www.fsip.com.