HARBEL, Liberia (March 5, 2008) — Firestone Natural Rubber Co. L.L.C., a subsidiary of Bridgestone/Firestone, has opened the first phase of its rubber wood processing operation at its natural rubber plantation near Harbel.
The facility, according to BFS, will process wood from Hevea trees cut down after reaching the end of their productive lifecycle, producing an ecologically friendly, durable hardwood for furniture and flooring.
The new plant will employ about 500 at full operation, according to the company. The recently signed concession agreement between BFS and the government of Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf included a promise by the tire maker that it would complete the rubber wood facility.