Workers 'frame out' Bridgestone's Akron tech centre

ERJ staff report (TB)

Akron, Ohio -- Construction crews working on Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC's new technical center in Akron have completed the facility's steel framework, keeping the $100 million project on schedule for an early 2012 opening.

The Nov. 19 topping-off ceremony comes nine months after Bridgestone broke ground on the project. Bridgestone employees watched the event live via web conference.

The beam - which was signed by Bridgestone tech center employees during the first week of November - is situated at the highest point of the facility that is being built to Gold Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) specification.

“This progressive building is made of stone and steel, but it's the people inside who make Bridgestone Americas a world-class company,” said Bob Handlos, vice president of research. “The signatures of our teammates on this final beam will be a lasting legacy to their hard work and dedication….”

“There's a strong tradition of innovation here in Akron, so it's fitting that this new technology center is being built right here,” said Steve Shelton, vice president of product development, BATO.

The 240,000-sq.-ft technical center is being built by Ruhlin Co. and was designed by Harris/Day Architecture. It will house about 1,000 employees.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Time-lapse video of the constructino so far from Ox Blue