Thrive Episode 60: From Tree to Tire: Firestone Natural Rubber’s Roots Run Deep in Liberia

Explore Bridgestone’s fascinating history on the western coast of Africa where the country of Liberia has been home to Firestone Natural Rubber since 1926. In the latest episode of THRIVE, host Keith Cawley chats with two Liberian natives and current Firestone Natural Rubber employees, Marion Wreh-Socree and Murphy Socree, about operations, life, and community on a sprawling natural rubber farm that covers approximately 185 square miles. Rick Burnett, Vice President of Internal Manufacturing and President of Firestone Natural Rubber and Firestone Polymers, also joins to discuss the company's history in Liberia and how it is evolving for the future through an award-winning digitalization project. Listen to learn more about the complexity of an operation that goes well beyond farming to provide housing, roadways, schools, medial centers, and more for thousands of employees and their families.