DisruptED in Advanced Manufacturing: The Bridgestone Story with Will Robbins Pt. 1

The automotive world is seeing some unprecedented change, and the tire industry is no exception. As electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity, sustainability is a major concern. With new mobility trends emerging, companies like Bridgestone are at the forefront of innovation. Additionally, with the popularity of vehicles on the road being fitted with Bridgestone or Firestone tires, the company’s impact on transportation is undeniable.

How are Bridgestone Tires adapting to technological disruptions, and what role does sustainability play in the future of the industry?

On this episode of “DisruptED,” host Ron J. Stefanski welcomed Will Robbins, Executive Director of Strategic and Product Portfolio Planning at Bridgestone Americas. Robbins is a 20-year industry veteran, shares insights into Bridgestone’s approach to innovation, sustainability, and the evolving landscape of the tire business.

During the episode the two discussed how:

  • Electric vehicles create unique demands on tires due to increased weight, torque, and alignment differences, requiring specialized solutions.
  • Bridgestone is leading the charge toward 100 percent renewable and recycled materials by 2050,
  • Bridgestone’s Bandag brand extends the life of commercial truck tires through retreading, significantly reducing waste and promoting cost-efficiency for fleet operators.

Will Robbins is the Executive Director of Strategic and Product Portfolio Planning at Bridgestone Americas He has over two decades of experience in the automotive and tire industry, and has played a key role in developing innovative product strategies that address the needs of a rapidly evolving market. Robbins has a background in mechanical engineering and has worked extensively with major automotive OEMs.

Article by Alexandra Simon.

Recent Episodes

Global supply chain resilience has never been more critical. From geopolitical tensions to natural disasters, disruptions can cost companies millions. According to a McKinsey study, supply chain disturbances can erase as much as 45% of a year’s profits for businesses over a period of ten years. So, can companies turn to AI-driven early warning systems…

As the tire industry experiences and faces rapid change, Bridgestone — a global leader in mobility solutions — is leveraging cutting-edge technology and a deep-rooted culture of innovation to redefine what tires can do. From AI-driven analytics to sustainability initiatives, Bridgestone is at the forefront of an evolving landscape. But what truly sets them apart…

Supply chains are more complex than ever, with companies managing vast networks of suppliers, transportation routes, and inventory systems. Traditional computing methods are reaching their limits, struggling to process massive datasets efficiently. But here, quantum computing can come to the rescue: By integrating live data from IoT-enabled traffic monitoring tools and vehicles, quantum systems…