Plain Dealer Reporter
Bridgestone Firestone told Akron, Summit County and Ohio that without incentives to keep its 629-employee technical center in the city, it may move the facility to Tennessee.
"After reviewing proposals from a number of cities, we've narrowed our focus to two areas: Akron and middle Tennessee," Bob Handlos, vice president of materials and racing technology for Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC, said Friday. "We have to have a more suitable facility" to design and test tires.
Since learning last fall of the company's intention either to remodel the current 98-year-old building or build anew, economic-development officials have focused on crafting a package of incentives that will keep the facility at or near its current South Main Street location.
The tire company is eager for help. "They have made it clear to us that this decision is going to be driven by data. Just the facts" regarding the extent of assistance, according to Dave Lieberth, Akron deputy mayor for administration.
Handlos disagreed. "Absolutely not. We are looking at quantitative and qualitative factors. One is the historic ties the company has with Akron." He's a native of the area himself. More here.
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