Bridgestone Earns John Deere Partner-Level Supplier Recognition

Global business units honored for longstanding commitment to continuous improvement

Tokyo (February 16, 2016)- Bridgestone Corporation announced that the global Bridgestone Group has earned recognition as a Partner-level supplier for 2015 in the John Deere & Company (Deere & Company) Achieving Excellence Program. The Partner-level status is Deere & Company's highest supplier rating. The Group was selected for the honor in recognition of its dedication to providing products and service of outstanding quality, as well as its commitment to continuous improvement. Employees of Bridgestone Americas, the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, accepted the recognition on behalf of the global Bridgestone Group during formal ceremonies recently held in Bettendorf, Iowa.

The global Bridgestone Group supplies agricultural and off-the-road tires to Deere & Company's global operations.

Suppliers who participate in Deere & Company's Achieving Excellence program are evaluated annually in several key performance categories, including quality, cost management, delivery, technical support and wavelength, which is a measure of responsiveness. John Deere Supply Management created the program in 1991 to provide a supplier evaluation and feedback process that promotes continuous improvement.

About Bridgestone Corporation:
Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.