Bridgestone/Firestone to recall LaVergne workers as part of production increase

LAVERGNE, Tenn. (April 23)—Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. will recall more than 150 employees to its LaVergne tire plant as production at the site increases. The recall—which is to begin immediately—is possible because sales of passenger and light truck tires manufactured at the facility have risen and tire inventory has been reduced, the company said April 23. Nearly 400 LaVergne workers were laid off in January. No other laid-off employees at other Bridgestone/Firestone sites will be affected by this announcement, but the company did begin recalling about 330 workers at its Oklahoma City tire plant earlier this month. About 700 employees were laid off in Oklahoma City at the same time as the LaVergne workers.