Made in Des Moines

FALL 2019

MAGGIE CAMPOS: Steel Cowgirl

YES, FREE COLLEGE Through ICD

JARED LOFLAND Opportunity Knocks

NEW TO THE CREW Senior Leadership

PLENTY OF ACTIVITY B-Well Recap

RIGHT TRACKA MAGAZINE FOR & ABOUT BAAG TEAMMATES

Made in Des Moines

THE RICH HISTORY OF FIRESTONE’SDES MOINES PLANT AND PEOPLEARE BEING SHOWCASED IN THECOMPANY’S NEW VIDEO SERIES,

“MADE IN DES MOINES.”

C O N T E N T S

The Right Track FALL 2019

A magazine for and about BAAG teammates published quarterly by

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC.

Des Moines Agricultural Tire Manufacturing Plant

4600 N.W. 2nd Avenue P.O. Box 1295

Des Moines, IA 50306-1295 515-243-1211

w w w . b f u s a . c o m

Privacy Policy To opt out of having your name in the

Birthdays or Milestones section, send an email to [email protected].

Have news for us? Don’t be shy, let us know! We’re always on the lookout for new story ideas. Our stories are for you and about you. Your input matters! Send an email to: [email protected]

12STEEL COWGIRL At a mere five feet and three inches, Maggie Campos, CFE Operator, has tapped

into a bigger purpose for herself through Firestone’s various Institute for Career

Development (ICD) classes.

18B-WELL RECAP

We have had a busy few months with teammate engagement activities, such as Community Garden, Iowa State Fair, School Supply Drive, and our Blood Drive.

04411 ON 310

Have you heard about the USW free college benefit? It isn’t an ICD initiative, it’s USW.

16OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

During a discussion with legislators this summer, Jared Lofland, Area Business Manager — Curing, Final Inspection, and Bladder Production at Firestone, shared the story of opportunity within the manufacturing industry. He knows it well, because he’s lived it.

06SAFETY NEWS

A big part of what security does is access control. Making sure the folks who are supposed to be here get to where they need to be, and those who shouldn’t be here, aren’t here at all.

09

P U B L I C A T I O N C R E A T E D B Y

F A R M B O Y I N C . C O M

Project ManagerCathi Wilson

Content WriterElyssa Appleton

Made in Des MoinesMatt Frank, Brand Manager for Firestone Ag, said the series will take a behind-the-scenes look at not only what goes into making the Firestone product, but who is making it and where they’re made.

The series was inspired by Firestone’s marketing firm Broadhead + Co after visiting the 74-year-old plant in early 2019.

ON THE COVER: Jeff Johnson, 96 CFE, 31 Years

3Stay up to date and share your own content on BAAG.com

From the Plant Manager

“This is a reflection of our team’s dedication to supplying the BOSS with the quality products and on-time delivery they expect. Thanks to all of you for helping to make this possible.”

FIRST HALF COMPLETEWe have now completed the first half of 2019, and I would say, overall, it was a pretty good success story. The majority of the plant’s key performance indicators (KPIs) were in good shape, at least from what we could control. The AG market is still a little bit soft, not only due to low commodity prices but also governmental influences, and a very wet spring. Overall, however, the 1H should help set us up for success over the remainder of the year.On the safety side, we ended up with a safety incidence rate (SIR) very close to both budget and prior year. We continue to look for all opportunities to countermeasure injuries as they occur. Over the second half of 2019, we will roll out several new programs designed to improve safety at the DSM plant. We need everyone’s support to make these programs successful.

One area we struggled in the 1H was our loss ratio percentage. Loss ratio measures how much material you throw away (waste material and scrap tires) compared to what you warehouse every day. We ended up in the 1H about 14 percent higher than budgeted. The key to reducing waste and scrap is to follow the standard on whatever operation you are performing. If you cannot follow the standard for any reason, stop and notify your crew leader so we can get it corrected.

On the delivery side, we ended up around 98 percent of ticket, which is below our goal of 100 percent. We knew this would be a difficult budget to hit, and it has proven to be. Lack of manpower plays into this, as the plant is short in key critical areas, either due to retirements, normal attrition, or high absenteeism. It’s hard enough to make ticket when we are fully staffed and everyone is here. It is doubly hard when we are short manpower and have to make it up with overtime.

The reduced ticket has taken its toll on plant costs. However, we have done a good job of cutting spending where possible and have been able to offset most of the lost production credit due to the reduced ticket. The key cost measuring stick when ticket is below budget is how well you are able to reduce spending in relation to the ticket reduction. In our case, we have done a very good job in this area, and one we should all be proud of.

On the people side, we have also had a lot of good work. For the first time in forever, the DSM team won at the Bridgestone Americas Standard Driven Process competition and were selected to present at the Global TQM Competition which will be held in Nashville on September 20. That is a tremendous honor. Congratulations to Rich Wince, Brandon Umscheid, and Ryan Mumm. On another note, Jared Lofland was chosen to represent Bridgestone Americas at the United States Tire Manufacturer conference in Washington, DC. It was a great honor for Jared, who had a chance to meet many U.S. senators and representatives.

The Des Moines plant also received Platinum Level certification from Caterpillar for the third year in a row. This is a reflection of our team’s dedication to supplying the BOSS with the quality products and on-time delivery they expect. Thanks to all of you for helping to make this possible.

In addition to normal plant operations, in the 1H we also had a lot of visitors, both from within Bridgestone and from the outside. In July, we had Mario Andretti visit the plant, sign autographs, and take pictures with teammates. He is truly a class act and a great representative for Firestone. We also had a visit from the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago, who came for a plant tour. He was accompanied by several individuals from governmental agencies, and the local Greater Des Moines Partnership.

Quite a first half. At times it felt exhausting. Other times, exhilarating. Now we look forward to the 2H. I’m sure the road ahead won’t be any easier. Luckily, we have the best people in the business working here,so I’m sure we will overcome all challenges thrown at us.

Thanks for the positive 1H results.

Greg Halford I Plant Manager

4 FALL 2019

Have you heard about the USW free college benefit? It isn’t an ICD initiative, it’s USW. I learned about it while attending the ICD Learning Summit in Pittsburgh this past June.

It’s just as described. You and your family members can earn a two-year degree online for free! Yes, really, for free. Let that sink in a minute. You and your family members are eligible to earn a two-year college degree FOR FREE.

The only requirement is one of you has to be an active steelworker union member.

Call 888-590-9009 or go to freecollege.usw.org to learn more. I lost my dad almost a year ago in August 2018. He was a long-time champion for working people, and a proud member of URW/USW Local 310. I could feel him with me when I learned about this.

He dreamed of a way for working people to receive an education, so we can rise up and bring others up with us.

LOOK INTO THIS.

It’s not every day you and your family members get the chance to earn a degree for free.

We featured ICD’s Investing Class in the summer issue thinking we’d hold it right after Labor Day, like usual. However, class has been moved to November. I hope this gives you more time to adjust to a possible new shift at alignment.

Hope you’ve been thinking about attending. It’s the single greatest class we offer to vastly improve you and your family’s financial future!

In addition to 401k vs Roth 401k, you’ll learn:

» How mutual funds operate

» How to reduce fees on all investments

» How to cut your tax bracket in half at retirement

» How to manage your investments in good and bad economies

» And more

Class goes for three weeks on the following schedule:

Week 1: Nov 04-05-06-07 *no class on Fri

Week 2: Nov 11-12-13-14 *no class on Fri

Week 3: Nov 18-19-20-21 *no class on Fri & finished a week

before Thanksgiving

You’ll attend twice a week for three hours each time. You must attend 100 percent. If you miss, you’ll get too far behind. Once you commit to attending this class, you really need to honor that commitment. ICD commits to the instructors, weeks ahead, and pays $600 per student. Please talk to your families and plan ahead. You may need to find help driving kids or parents around. Maybe your spouse wants to attend with you. How will you make things work at home, so one or both of you can attend, unfettered? This class requires full attention.

We need 20 new students to make it happen. If last year was your first year, you can take all or part of it again as a refresher, if you like. You still need to reach ICD to sign up.

Yours in Solidarity – Stacey Glenn Bradley

ICD Coordinator

Free College(YES, REALLY),& Fall Investing

Desk: 515-288-9946

Cell: 515-943-7208

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: ICD Local 310 Learning Center

Twitter @icdlocal310

Website: www.uswlocal310.org

Stop By: M-T-Th-Fri 7-12/1-4; 7:30-12:30 Wed

“LOOK INTO THIS. It’s not every day you and your family members get the chance to earn a degree for free.”


TWO NEW TO THE CREW By Cathi Wilson

Two new leaders joined the Des Moines plant senior leadership team this summer. Brian Larson took the helm of PDIC/IE in June, and Thomas Cox is the new Plant Engineer. Both have Iowa roots but have traveled divergent routes to get here. We took this opportunity to get to know them a little better.

Where are you from?

Brian: I am proud to be an Iowa native. I was raised in a rural setting near Fairfield, Iowa. I was part of my parents’ small farming operation and participated in 4H through high school. Both of my grandparents farmed at different times. I have been around agriculture all my life.

Thomas: I grew up in Decatur, Illinois. I have two step brothers who worked in the Firestone Decatur plant back in the day (one was a tire builder, and the other an extrusion supervisor), but I never worked there. My brother and I walked the bean fields and detasseled corn as kids for three or four years but had no real ties to agriculture. We were pretty much city kids.

Please tell us a little about your career path.

Brian: I earned my bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Iowa State. I’ve spent my entire career working in operations and operational support. The first twenty years of my career were with Danfoss making hydraulics for the off-road mobile equipment markets, which happens to have many of the same customers as Firestone Ag. Most of my career has had a strong connection with the construction and ag markets. Most recently, I spent one-and-a-half years at TPI composites in Newton making wind turbine blades and bus bodies. The first seven years of my career were as an engineer. The last 15 years have been spent in various leadership roles.

Part of my career with Danfoss took me to Kansas to start up a plant where I eventually spent ten years. My relocation back to Ames in 2009 put us close to family, which was well-timed as my wife and I started a family of our own.

Thomas: I have two bachelors (Mechanical Engineering Technology and Industrial Technology) from SIU. I’m a longtime Bridgestone guy. I began at the LaVergne, TN plant in 1995 as a mechanical engineer in the Banbury department--I’m an old mixing guy! In 2007, I moved to corporate purchasing in Nashville and worked to procure capital equipment for Bridgestone plants in North and South America.

My engineering background came in handy during the two years I was there. After Bridgestone purchased Bandag, I moved to Muscatine in 2009 as a project engineer and later became manager of project engineering, overseeing all the Bandag project engineers who were centralized there. I also worked on a team with 19 other Bandag engineers to build a new factory in Thailand in 2010, which has since been repurposed for aircraft retreading. The commercial retread market didn’t take off there as expected.

What kinds of contributions do you see yourself making in your new position here in Des Moines?

Brian: I’m very passionate about problem solving and continuous improvement. I like the aspect of global competition. We must improve every day to stay in the game. Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to technical challenges. I started as a controls engineer at a time when we were connecting the shop floor to the enterprise systems. I really enjoy providing solutions to problems which helped improve quality and unlock new, more efficient ways to work.

I got my MBA from Baker University and discovered I really enjoy business leadership, and I am passionate about developing others. I really enjoy helping others develop their skill sets, knowledge and reach their career goals.

Thomas: (In all fairness to Thomas, he’d been on the job less than two weeks at the time of this interview!) I’ve worked with truck tires, passenger, retread, and now, ag. Because of my mixing background, maybe I can contribute something there earlier on, but I’m looking forward to getting into new challenges in other areas.

I know you haven’t been here long. Are there any impressions of the plant you’d like to share?

Brian: I’m impressed at the pride I see here —the depth of experience and drive to succeed. I feel myself getting pulled into it, and that’s a good thing! I like that Firestone is a recognizable brand. Our neighbors and friends buy our product, and we can relate to our customers.

Thomas: I’m very excited to be here. This is a great team. I’ve already known some of these guys for years — running into them at maintenance and engineering conferences. I’m looking forward to broadening my circle of Bridgestone friends.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your family? What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Brian: I live in Ankeny with my wife, Tami, and our two daughters, ages seven and nine. Right now we’re involved with getting them to all their activities — gymnastics, softball, and dance. When I have time, I like hunting and practical pistol shooting (competition). My older daughter is a successful deer hunter and is also starting to get into competitive shooting.

Thomas: I have four adult children, two boys and two girls, all in Iowa. My wife, Michelle, is still teaching (for now) in Iowa City, so we’re figuring all that out — how and when to move this way. I enjoy all outdoor activities, and I love anything with a motor, especially old motorcycles.

We saved the most important question for last: Hawkeyes or Cyclones?

Brian: I did my undergrad at Iowa State, so it’s Cyclones all the way!

Thomas: Well, my story is a little more complicated. Two of my kids and my wife are split among Cyclones, Hawkeyes, and (UNI) Panthers. But I’m a [SIU] Saluki, and most recently from Iowa City, so it’s definitely Hawkeyes!

6 FALL 2019

Plant NewsSales and Marketing Report Maxi Traction Launch Firestone Ag will launch its newest line of Radial Tires on October 1. Maxi Traction was designed to meet the growing needs of the farmer. The ag industry has shown machines are getting larger and faster with more road travel. The industry also shows that soil compaction is on the radar. Maxi Traction offers solutions to the above, which happens to be some of the farmer’s highest needs.

Maxi Traction is Firestone Ag’s new line of premium tires designed for maximum performance. Maxi Traction offers outstanding durability, traction in a variety of soil conditions, and benefits like AD2 technology for sprayers, combines, or tractors. Firestone Ag built Maxi Traction for farmers who are unstoppable.

PROCEDURES THAT PROTECT THE PLANT AND ITS ASSETS: YOUA big part of what security does is access control. Making sure the folks who are supposed to be here get to where they need to be, and those who shouldn’t be here, aren’t here at all.

For example, at shift change, you may be approached by someone in the north lot that claims they have lost or forgotten their badge and would like your help getting in through the turnstile. Don’t do it.

There is a proper procedure that folks must follow to gain access, and that is by seeing someone at the security main gate office for proper screening. Imagine if this person intended to do harm to others or our plant. If they are simply let in without being screened, that could be catastrophic.

We also depend on you to help by “saying something, if you see something.” This could be as simple as approaching someone (like a semi-truck driver).

They may have a “confused look on their face” from having lost their way while trying to get to the receiving dock.

Pointing them in the right direction lessens the propensity for accidents, injuries, or damage to the property.

Access control is a constant “checks and balance” type of activity. We use the data collected by the access badge program, and the others that support it, for personnel accountability - such as an evacuation or take cover event.

In a drill or real scenario, this is a great tool for us to get a glance of who is here. These supportive programs also help supervisors, managers, and payroll do what they need to do to ensure some folks’ paychecks are correct.

Checking IDs and current employee rosters, as well as the plant visitor calendar are just a small part of it.

We are also checking truck drivers' CDLs, or their current trucking employer ID badge, ensuring the truck driving company is legitimate as they drive onto property. Some of these trucks are bringing in commodities from Canada or Mexico and/or will be taking our products overseas.

This is part of the Homeland Security/Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program that Bridgestone is proud to be part of.

James Blake I Security/Safety Supervisor

H A P P Y B I R T H D AY T E A M M AT E S

OCTOBER DECEMBERNOVEMBER

H A P P Y B I R T H DAY,

T E A M M AT E S !

Abdulghani AbdulrahimRandy AndrewStacy AppelgateDonald BalesWesley BeeghlyDaniel BesekaDennis BolichJohn BondScott BrannonTimothy BreonJeff BrodersBrett CampbellKevin CarlsonScott CarterTina ChapmanThomas ChaseRobert ClausenFreddie ClaytorSalomon ColungaJames ConleyAdam CornishShane CotterMachelle CuttingKraig DaughertyDeanh DenDereck DestefanoChad DowlingGeorgia DraegerKennisha DuniganJohn FinleyScott ForchtCharles FountainAnastasia GayeSayfort GeayeaHugh GiesekeChris GistDouglas GoeringRichard GrantSteve GreenhornJeannie GregoryMichael GuzmanLorrie HanifenKeith HansonRonsson HansonTimothy HansonHosen HasnaBrody HeidWillie Hoof JRSusan Howell-SpurgeonJohn HughesKeith HunterKenneth JacksonJabbar JeffersonShawn JenkinsAlexander JohnsonTyna Johnson-VandenbroekeAbigail JonesKyvong KanyavimonhR. KaplarKuley KarlarTroy KreuzigerScott LaffertyMichael LefflerMark LehmanMelissa LewisJeremy Lewis

Mahmoud AdamAmit AgarwalMohamed Atroon IChristopher BeahrTerry BickfordRobbie BoggessDerek BollesBrandt BronnenbergJames BrooksEric BucknerChau BuiShalavah BunduCoryon ByerlyKerry CarlbergChristopher ChapmanLaurie ChapmanTrenton CosnerTimothy Cox JRRobert CraigLisa DalesBryan DaviesBrandon DaviesRaimundo DeberryDavid DebruynClinton EctorDaniel EichhornDana ElifritzJairus EstayoSteven FelderDaniel FinneganWilshaun FranklinWilliam FrantzJason GablerDustin GarverMarcelo Gomes AbrantesLuigi Gonjoran IAaron GweahSamuel HallSamon HenTodd HendricksKevin HollingsworthAkeem HolmesEh HtooMichael HuffstetlerTyler HurleySabrina JensenJeremiah JohnsonJason JordanWayne Juasemai

Dollie KelloggKenneth KlingamanJesse KnightKoffi KoumaPhanh LaramekScott LongFranklin LuogonDesalgne MamoJustin MapesNicholas MaplesTroy MartinWilliam Martz IIVeda McCollumKen McDougalVenita MillerPervis MimsRobert MooreDavid MorawskiRyan MummDonald MurrayZachary MurrayCharles NavinUsoro NkantaYassir NoorySunny Ogbonnah IAlfred OpataMichael ParsonsShawn PepelVilayvanh PhetpriyavanhDon RhoadesDavid RichardsonAdam SampsonJoshua SandvenChea Saywon SRCarmone SmithLarry Spray IIChristopher SutterKendrick ThedfordRuben ThomasRaschawn TurnerMichael WaddenMarcus WaltonThomas WardJackie WellsNoah WhiteNathan WrightJohn YoriDarlington Ziaty

Donavan LindamanTimothy LinnGregory LogsdonTerry LogueMarc LovanBrandon LoveHien LuongTerri LyonGermaine ManombaVance MattisonTimothy McKnightJonathan McMainsLeon McNeal IIRobert MelgozaMonica MesecherJames MichelsRayvon MillerDennis Moore JRAlfredo MunizBenjamin MurryLouis NgorFrank PaulusFrank Pazzi JRKent PhongsaRobert Piehl JRSpencer Pierce JRZachary PlewJoseph PollockAaron PorterJohn ReichartMarco ReyesScott RichardsonStephen RiosMarcel RobinsonMarcus RobinsonThomas RodgersMajid SabriJonathan SamsonClayton ScheveChristopher ShafferStephen SheltonCasey ShortDean SigwaltTeresa SjulinMatthew SlocumLorensa SonnekMark SprouseWilliam StoutLance StreetToulaxay SymuongsongKenji TateishiKeith TaylorStephen ThompsonRobert ThompsonHoi TranCuong TruongOlay TulapahShane TwogoodJeff TylerHang VongDarrell VonrentzellDusty WallaceJason WickerJerry WilliamsGarmai WilsonMartellious Young

Michelle AlexanderCade BaethkeJoseph BaumanKeenan BellMarcus BellStefan BemeEugene BlaserJoe BosleyJeff BradleyTed ButcherJames CamRichard CarrascoBernard CarrollSteven ClantonKelly ColemanSherwin CookJames CooperBruce CorbinKerry CoxBradley DalesYoup DenGregory DennisDarey DouchShannon DucheneAlexander EstayoCharles Facpong DonchieBruce FleenorMatt FrankJessica FregozoWilliam GlunzRobert GoodsWalter GreenAmy GregoryToby HallAlex HayesDarren HenryLucas HernandezNathan HofstadterHarrell HuneycuttAndrew HutchinsonMiranda JohnsonCorey JohnsonDeborah JonesDennis KaisandAnthony KaplarDavid KolpinJames Lafferty

Anthony LasalaMatthew LeberChristina LehmanGreg LeuschnerSaichellappa MandiramoorthyByron MartinezSyrathda MattisonMichael McCallisterEugene MerrittJonathon MilledgeMichael MonahanWashington NazzalDouglas NixonTroy OuversonAaron OviattDeontae PierreMary PrescottJames ReasonerSteven RepplingerJames RobertsTammy RobertsMichael RothBrett RusselburgAmir SerdarevicTracy SmithRyan SpellerbergJudd StebenEd SteilEdward StormTroy TabbertJerry TantBradley VanbrogenDoug VandykeMatt WallaceWilliam WillenborgBradley WilliamsHabakkuk WilliamsFredrick Williams JRJohn Williams JRDonald WithersElizabeth WorleyTed WorthingtonChris WulfCalvin Yakle


M I L E S T O N E S

FROM 5 YEARS

TO 40 YEARS, THANK YOU

FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.

40 years

30 years

25 years

15 years

5 years

RETIREMENTS 2 N D Q U A R T E R 2 0 1 9

John Schinckel III 931 10/6/2014

Shawn Spragg 248 10/9/2014

James Hellvig 831 11/3/2014

David Grasso 954 11/3/2014

Monica Mesecher 793 12/3/2014

Danielle Jones 933 12/15/2014

Tyler Paccamonti 748 12/15/2014

Richard Fotes 376 10/29/1979

Randy Runyan 831 10/30/1989

Jeff Allsup 831 10/30/1989

John Wahlert 793 11/13/1989

Timothy Cooper 831 11/13/1989

Howard McDaniel 831 11/27/1989

Johnni Bayne 422 10/17/1994

Stacy Appelgate 953 10/17/1994

William Martz II 900 10/18/1994

Leon McNeal II 179 10/24/1994

Rodney Rouw 831 10/24/1994

Kenneth Lynch 239 10/25/1994

Cynthia Romeo 124 10/31/1994

Robert Weir 169 10/31/1994

Steven Fowler 179 10/31/1994

Timothy McKnight 412 10/31/1994

Nou Cam 422 10/31/1994

Douglas Randles 831 10/31/1994

Gregory Bond 135 11/1/1994

Joan Baker 123 11/14/1994

Trever Carter 135 11/14/1994

Dean Sigwalt 135 11/14/1994

Chris Wulf 179 11/14/1994

Troy Martin 953 11/14/1994

Theodore Hubert JR 179 11/21/1994

William Stout 179 11/17/2004

Brian Myers 179 11/17/2004

James Sickels 401 11/28/1994

Sean Meusburger 135 12/5/1994

Erik Erikson 146 12/5/1994

Michael Mc Kay 179 12/5/1994

Ray Mincy 231 12/5/1994

Teresa Belieu 412 12/5/1994

Brandon Andrews 169 12/16/1994

Aaron Mc Dermott 248 12/19/1994

Toby Hall 123 12/19/1994

Jackie Wells 169 12/19/1994

Kenneth Evans 179 12/19/1994

Christina Sullivan 139 12/21/1994

Dennis Quick 179 12/21/1994

Renate Varvel 714 12/23/1994

Keith Hunter 422 12/23/1994

Linda Wood 412 24 years of service

Nouane Sylalom 231 30 years of service

Robert Navin 179 31 years of service

Patricia Holdmeyer 793 32 years of service

Boun Chanchom 135 20 years of service

Raymond Beaty 169 14 years of service

Steven Daniels 831 30 years of service

Deepak Kothari 831 29 years of service

James Bailiff 831 44 years of service

Mark Bishop 239 30 years of service

Timothy Hunter 176 42 years of service

Tom Huth 179 31 years of service

Chien Nguyen 178 30 years of service

Danny Owens 179 30 years of service

Terry Petefish 178 33 years of service

David Kendall 248 8 years of service

Rebecca Fears 401 31 years of service

John Lantry 123 24 years of service

Khamkeo Sysombath 139 31 years of service

Phillip Howell 135 24 years of service

Willie Taylor 831 15 years of service

8 FALL 2019


The rich history of Firestone’s Des Moines plant and people are being showcased in the company’s new video series, “Made in Des Moines.”An ode to the city’s 150-acre building and nearly 1,200 team members, the advertising campaign features the unique stories of team members behind the brand and its products.

Matt Frank, Brand Manager for Firestone Ag, said the series will take a behind-the-scenes look at not only what goes into making the Firestone product, but who is making it and where they’re made.

“Firestone ag tires are made by machines, yes, but much of the process is still done by hand — by people who have spent years learning how to make tires.”

The series was inspired by Firestone’s marketing firm Broadhead + Co after visiting the 74-year-old plant in early in 2019.

CONTINUE >>

Made in Des Moines

“Firestone ag tires are made by machines, yes, but much of the process is still done by hand — by people who have spent years learning how to make tires.”

Matt Frank PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER

FIRESTONE HEADQUARTERS

By Elyssa Appleton

10 FALL 2019

“We knew it was a unique facility and have long wanted to tell the story around the plant’s rich heritage. After a few of our staff went on a tour of the plant, we decided to build the series around stories told by the people who work there, too,” said Walt Burns, creative director at Broadhead + Co.

Firestone’s corporate marketing team worked closely with the team in Des Moines to identify team members who have a family history at the plant through multiple generations and those who have worked with specific machines over the years and could talk about the hands-on work that goes into building a tire.

“We identified a good mix of teammates of varying experience and roles to get a truly holistic story. This included team members from different ‘neighborhoods’ on the floor as well as engineers,” said Frank.

Team members like Scott Cross, who represents the third generation of his family to work in the Des Moines facility. Dozens of members from extended family have worked here with a combined total years of service of over 360 years.

Deep roots of relatability are what Frank and Burns are trying to capture with the “Made in Des Moines” campaign.

“From a branding standpoint, we’re developing that relationship with the audience — the farmer — that we understand their experience. It’s different than the campaigns before with a focus on the tires and their features. This series aligns with the audiences’ experiences. We’re saying that we’re not just providing tires to the audience, we’re part of their community,” Burns said.

Echoing that sentiment, Frank said the people in the Des Moines plant are much like the farmers who use Firestone tires.

“They are hardworking, diverse and take pride in a job well done. When a farmer puts a Firestone tire on a piece of their equipment, they can see that pride in the performance and quality behind the brand.”

The first video in the series, “People Do the Work,” tells team members’ stories and what the factory means to them and the community.

“I’m just an average guy doing my job. Right now our family’s combined years at the plant is at 360 and counting. My great Uncle Lee was clock card 7 in 1945, my grandpa was in the top 100.”

Scott Cross TRAINING COORDINATOR

31 YEARS


“When you step in the plant’s doors, you expect to see a bunch of machines. What’s surprising is how many people you see. We want the audience to grasp how much of this is still done by hand. It’s an interesting part of this story and becomes person-centered. Then we translate that to the role of the factory in Des Moines in the second video,” Burns said.

“Factory is Family” focuses on the actual, physical element of the factory.

“We were struck by the fact that the Des Moines building has grown organically and that it was built in the middle of where the tires are being used. It’s almost a character in itself in the larger story, including the growth it has gone through, and the human experiences that have taken place there,” Burns said.

The remainder of the series will capture the diversity of the people who work at the plant — featuring stories from groups like Women of Steel and team members who have been very involved in developing safety protocols at the plant.

“It really hit home when he said everyone in the facility has someone who is expecting them to come home at the end of their shift,” Burns said.

The goal of the series is to create an increased appreciation of the Firestone product value. Frank hopes viewers will enjoy the content, while strengthening affinity for the Firestone Ag brand.

“The plant has a very relevant and timely story to tell, and it allows us to showcase the Firestone brand and product value through the people and place responsible for it. How team members react to the stories will be unique to them, but there are many inspirational and interesting stories that teammates are able to share about their experience in working in Des Moines. I would encourage everyone to check it out for themselves!”

The first video is available to view on Firestone AG’s YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages as well as the division’s website.

“You got to be proud of what you do. You got to take pride in what you do. You got to make sure that we build a perfect tire. That’s what gonna keep this plant open. It’s an American-made product, it’s a Union-made product. So take pride in what you do.”

Steve Vonk USW UNION PRESIDENT

32 YEARS

12 FALL 2019

Steel CowgirlAt a mere five feet and three inches, Maggie Campos, CFE Operator, has tapped into a bigger purpose for herself through Firestone’s various Institute for Career Development (ICD) classes.

After more than 25 years at the Des Moines plant, Campos believes life should be more than getting a paycheck. It’s become increasingly important to her to explore opportunities that go beyond coming to work and going home.

Fortunately, she didn’t have to look far. Maggie turned to Firestone’s numerous personal development classes and is learning new skills sets, and having fun, while she’s at it.

“For the past six years, I’ve been trying to take advantage of everything they give us,” she said.

ICD classes offer something for every team member, including automotive classes, where you can work on your own car as well as retirement, computer, glasswork and welding classes — Campos’ most recent interest — among others.

“It’s a chance for you to better yourself,” she said.

In Maggie’s first welding class, she had her mind set on making a grill. And she did. After perfecting her technique, she decided to make another one that she now uses at home for cooking.

“It has a flat plate on top and different levels you can put the burger on. If it gets too hot, you can move it up higher,” she said.

By Elyssa Appleton


Texas-raised, Campos said her favorite project to make in welding class was a fire pit with a star on it. A tribute to her favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys.

“That project took a whole six or eight weeks. I didn’t think I was going to get it done,” she said.

Maggie has also made a few plaques for Women of Steel, a group she’s been a part of for the past five years.

“In addition to the Women of Steel plaque, I made a round one with Rosie the Riveter on it. I donated that one to an auction we had for a Women of Steel ladies’ night. It benefited Soaring Hearts Foundation — an advocacy group for victims of violence,” Maggie said.

While she admits she hasn’t really thought about showing her work publicly, it would be “awesome if the opportunity came up.” But for now, her family and friends are the best audience she could ask for.

“Every time I show them my work, they’re like, ‘oh my gosh, that’s so pretty.’”

Maggie said her fellow teammates were surprised to learn about her new hobby as well.

“They didn’t know I was doing welding, or how long I had been doing it. Everyone was really surprised when I showed them what I had been working on in the classes.”

Classes she felt she didn't have the opportunity to take when she was younger.

“I’ve always been one of those girls that just wants to go and try something nobody has. I wanted to do welding in high school, but it was for boys. That made me mad,” she said.

In addition to welding, Maggie has taken carpentry and woodworking through the ICD classes. She said she’s also attended other classes hosted by the steelworkers’ union.

“They sent me down to the Branson, Missouri area, to a MINK (Missouri-Iowa-Nebraska-Kansas) regional training center. We took classes out there for a week and learned about how to become better Union stewards, how to be better mediators, etc.”

“Having more tools in my toolbelt made me want to get more involved,” Maggie said.

That included getting more involved with the Union’s Civil Rights Committee, too.

“I think I’m the first Hispanic woman to be in the group. It’s exciting, because the Civil Rights movement was so inspiring,” she said. “All of these classes are really good for us to do. It’s to better ourselves.”

Maggie didn’t have to look far for inspiration growing up, either. She said her mother influenced her can-do spirit.

“Mom always told me I can do anything I wanted and not to let anyone tell me any different. I learned what a good work ethic is from her and that no one can stop me from doing the things I love. I wish she was still here, so I could show her my latest welding projects.

Maggie has a true innovative spirit as well. She’s been hands-on, making her own creations since she was a kid.

“I was always very curious. When I was in eighth grade, I’d stay up reading late at night. My mom kept telling me to shut the light off, because I had school the next day, so I made a little flashlight, instead. I’ve always been mechanically minded.”

Maggie said she’s always up for trying new things, and isn’t deterred by bumps in the road.

“If I fail at it, oh well. Taking all these classes makes me want to show everybody what you can learn if you just try,” she said.

Sean Meusburger, tire room supervisor and Campos’ colleague, said he’s endlessly impressed by her abilities and spirit, both in the classroom and on the plant floor.

“Her welding pieces are really good. I can’t weld. I’m scared of it, and it’s hot. But what she’s done is amazing,” he said. “She’s always busy with classes and work.”

When it comes to Maggie’s’ job — she’s meticulous about giving her all and doing her very best, something Meusberger admires about her.

“Ms. Campos is not very tall, not to make fun of her,” Meusberger says. “And she treads the biggest forestry tires Firestone produces. Tires that weigh around 1400 pounds that she has to move with a hoist.”

“She’s got a Texas spirit and won’t give up,” he adds. “She’s a hard worker and just a remarkable person.”

“Taking all these classes makes me want to show everybody what you can learn if you just try.”

14 FALL 2019

AET AT BRIDGESTONE - Ruben Ordaz

In the spring of 2016, [former] Maintenance Supervisors, Adam Wiseman

and Mike Orta, realized a significant percentage of their workforce would

be retiring in the next few years. They wanted to figure out a way to utilize

qualified applicants who already know our plant.

The Bridgestone Des Moines training department commenced a partnership with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to offer a program called AET at Bridgestone (Applied Engineering Technology). This program is for teammates interested in preparing themselves to take and pass the required tests part of the application process for becoming a maintenance technician.

DMACC’s Dean at the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Scott Ocken, worked with Wiseman, Orta, and Training and Delivery Specialist, Cathi Wilson, to craft a program to meet Bridgestone teammates’ needs. After the first semester, the applied engineering instructors requested an in-depth tour of the plant. They wanted to visualize and understand the equipment our teammates talked about in class.

Seventeen teammates began the program in 2016, and others have since joined them. Our first graduate of the program was hired as a maintenance technician in July 2018.

Ruben Ordaz, who has worked in Curing for 18 years, was in the first group that started in 2016. His goal, from the start, was to work for Maintenance here at the Des Moines plant.

“When Adam Wiseman announced the DMACC classes on maintenance, that’s what started everything for me,” Ordaz says. “I took two years to finish the certificate, with no breaks. It was hard at times after being out of school for 20 years, working full-time.” Ruben credits his family and, especially his wife, Peggy Ann, for supporting him during his studies. He decided to apply for one of the openings in Maintenance when he finished.

Does Ruben believe the program prepared him for the application process?

“Of course. They gave me the basics to understand how things work here. The formula to succeed is about 10 percent schooling, 70 percent practice/training, and the rest is your experience. You also have to apply the education/training here to get the knowledge.”

Ordaz has high praise for his experience with the AET faculty and staff at DMACC.

“The people at DMACC had lots of knowledge, and the support staff was willing to help. DMACC people had deep knowledge of this plant — one of our instructors used to work here as an electrician, so he knew the plant. They’ve worked in maintenance for different companies and have worked in the industry in other areas, such as welding.”

Our teammates also met other students in their classes and benefited from their knowledge.

“Some of the other students were going for a degree and already working in maintenance, so we learned from them, too,” Ordaz says.

What did the corporate tuition reimbursement benefit mean to him? “To pay out of pocket for classes and especially for books is hard,” Ordaz says. “This was a big plus for me, it was the difference that made it possible for me to go back to school.”

Ruben’s enthusiasm for his job is evidenced by the ever-present smile on his face.

“I’m excited to start my new chapter in the company. So far, everyone’s been so helpful and supportive, including people from the Union and Maintenance teammates, supervisors — everybody. This program helped me meet my next goal with the company. I hope for another 20 years of working here.”

“I’m excited to start my new chapter in the company. So far, everyone’s been so helpful and supportive, including people from the Union and Maintenance teammates, supervisors — everybody. This program helped me meet my next goal with the company. I hope for another 20 years of working here.”

RUBEN ORDAZ


AET AT BRIDGESTONE - Josh Coffman Teammate Josh Coffman has been part of the Maintenance Department for

almost a year. He started at the plant in February of 2008 and served as a

forklift operator for the Tire Room for more than a decade.

When the plant went to eight-hour shifts more than three years ago, Josh found himself facing some financial challenges and decided it was time to act. He went to some of his trusted advisors at the plant and asked, “What can I do?”

Then-Maintenance Supervisor Mike Orta suggested a program at DMACC (the forerunner to the AET at Bridgestone program) to sharpen Josh’s skills in order to apply for a position in Maintenance, and that’s what he did. After Josh was established in the program, the first cohort of AET program teammates began showing up in some of his classes. He was on a similar track, but with an emphasis on electrical content.

Josh admits he was nervous coming into the Maintenance Department, but his discomfort didn’t last long. “There are a lot of good people here. Everyone was so welcoming,” he said.

“There’s a real sense of camaraderie. It’s like a family. Guys took me under their wing, gave me their extra tools — even some of the guys retiring.”

Naturally he felt most comfortable working on Tire Room equipment, but he was slowly introduced to other areas of the plant and now works in Curing —“the greatest department ever,” according to Josh. He’s currently a Maintenance Technician (MT) shadowing a Maintenance Electrical Technician (MET).

One thing Josh loves about his new job is the chance to go below the surface to find answers.

“It’s not just unscrewing nuts and bolts, it’s going deeper to see how things work. We’re given time to do the job — to do it right. Safety, LOTO — all of it is a top priority.”

Josh believes a good attitude and willingness to listen to his mentors will make him successful.

His supervisor, Jimmy Reasoner, agrees. “Since the first day Josh came to Maintenance, he’s been an inspiration to all of us. His attitude is unlike any other, and his willingness to learn is contagious. He’s a great fit in the Des Moines Maintenance Department, and we’re really proud to have him on board,” Reasoner said.

“This job has been such a blessing. I’m thankful everyday they gave me this opportunity. For ten years, I was literally driving in circles. Now I get up every day wanting to come to work,” Josh said.

There are two ways for production teammates to receive money to attend college. Ruben took advantage of Bridgestone’s Tuition Reimbursement benefit, which covered tuition, books and fees at 100 percent.

“I couldn’t have gone back to school without it,” Ruben said.

This benefit is available to qualified production teammates who have been with the company for three years. Josh went with the Institute for Career Development (ICD) at the Union.

He, too, was grateful for the tuition benefit.

“It makes futures brighter one class at a time,” he said.

That benefit is available to qualified production teammates upon their six month anniversary with the company.

DMACC has high praise for the work ethic of our teammates, and would love to have more of you as students! Almost a dozen teammates have finished the program and are in the process of applying for maintenance positions while others are completing their coursework. If you are interested in learning more about the AET at Bridgestone program, contact Cathi Wilson in Continuous Improvement.

16 FALL 2019

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKSDuring a discussion with legislators this summer, Jared Lofland, Area Business Manager — Curing, Final Inspection, and Bladder Production at Firestone, shared the story of opportunity within the manufacturing industry. He knows it well, because he’s lived it.

As an 18-year-old high school graduate, Lofland was working three jobs — mowing lawns for $4.50, delivering pizzas and loading semis — so he could support his (now) wife and baby on the way. Nearly 25 years later, he’s visiting with members of Congress at the U.S. Capitol after being selected as the Bridgestone Americas representative for the 2019 United States Tire Manufacturing Ambassadors (USTMA) Program.

Lofland began his 25-year career in tire manufacturing working for several contractors in Oklahoma. After serving as a tire lumper loading semi-trailers for six years, he received an opportunity to lead a production support, maintenance and janitorial contract within the facility where he was employed. In that role, he helped grow the company from 180 to 400 employees over four years.

“That’s where I learned so much about a tire plant and was able to experience different managerial, technical, and cultural styles,” he said.

After 10 years in the industry, Lofland considered a career shift — moving away from manufacturing to insurance. As he was preparing to sign a lease for a new office, he got a call from a recruiter about a position in Des Moines. Thirty days later he was working at Firestone.

“When I came up here, I met a lot of people doing different jobs in the plant. Because of my previous experience, I felt like there was a lot of familiarity and opportunity to grow my career,” he said.

And that’s exactly what he did. Lofland will celebrate 15 years with the company in September.

Among his numerous leadership roles at the plant, Lofland also has been selected for the Frontline Leader and Strategic Leadership programs offered through Bridgestone.

More recently, he was presented an opportunity to be a participant in the USTMA Program —

an organization created to amplify messages on behalf of the industry on Capitol Hill. Now in its third year, the program also recognizes extraordinary contributors from among the thousands of talented and passionate individuals who work in the tire industry.

As a member company of the organization, Bridgestone was encouraged to choose one employee to serve as an ambassador. Because of Lofland’s outstanding leadership qualities and contributions, he was selected.

This summer, Lofland traveled to Washington D.C. with 10 other USTMA participants to meet with the congressional delegates who represent tire manufacturing facilities around the country.

“We were mirroring what a lobbyist would do,” Lofland said. “That part was really fun and interesting —to get to sit down with legislators and have an engaging conversation about the industry, how it affects their platform and what they’re doing as well as the individuals within their state.”

Lofland said he talked about the industry and its impact with people like Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., Rep. Cindy Axne D-IA, and Sen. Joni Ernst R-IA to find out what they understood about manufacturing and the impact Bridgestone and the Des Moines facility have on tire manufacturing.

During his discussions he learned many aren’t aware of the influence the Des Moines plant has on the agriculture and forestry industry.

“With the Iowa legislators I met with, I really wanted them to understand how big we really are. Because they’re already focused on the ag and forestry market, it doesn’t make sense to not be involved in tire manufacturing, because we’re so involved in those markets,” he said.

“The tires from Firestone have a huge play on the market. I wanted to correlate that what we do here not only influences the tire market, but the economy.”

Lofland also made a point to share his story, and how he began his career as a teenager who simply needed a job to support his young family. But through hard work and ambition, he’s been able to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees while taking on various leadership opportunities.

It’s a story, he attests, that isn’t unique to him either.

“Helping people get prepared to get into manufacturing creates huge potential for those individuals. You can come right into our industry, get your degree while you’re working and decide how big of a career you want,” he said.

Since returning to Des Moines, Lofland has stayed in touch with USTMA’s efforts, and he’s been contacting the senators and congressmen he met with to stay top of mind. He also continues to use his experience as a testament to what the manufacturing industry has to offer.

“When I got my master’s in business administration, I was asked about vision for life. For me, it’s helping successful people become more successful. In manufacturing, the sky's the limit. You can grow a career here. Anyone that walks into the plant could be the next plant manager with the right drive and motivation.”

When he meets with new hires, Lofland acknowledges most don’t dream of working in a tire plant as a kid.

“But they have an opportunity. So my ask is, ‘What do you want to do with it?’”

By Elyssa Appleton


Thanks to everyone who came out to grill and staff the tables (even at midnight and even in the rain).Thank you to our partner, Affinity Credit Union, for the generous donation of the game day tickets, and Puppy Jake Foundation for bringing Harvey and Stone!

Cy-Hawk Grill Out

Winners!Mark Johnny (above) was the winner of the Cy-Hawk game day tickets.

Richie Grant (below) won an Amazon Gift card.

18 FALL 2019

Q3 B-Well ActivitiesWe have had a busy few months with teammate engagement activities. Here’s a recap: Community Garden: Ted Worthington (IT) has been instrumental in establishing our garden, and he’s had a lot of help. Dave Busch drew the designs for the fabulous planters made from scrap tires, while Andy Minor, Jared Lofland, Bryan VanBaale and Kolayout Mila built them. Samantha Peterson helped plant, and Kristian Wadolowski and Scott Kaplar assisted with the hydroponic plants.

Boy Scout Troop 22 and Girl Scout Troop 590 are providing ongoing assistance to plant and water. We have some peppers, zucchini, broccoli, tomatoes, and a few radishes as well as some hydroponic tomatoes and cucumbers.

Since we started planting late this year, we are going to donate all of this year’s produce to the Food Bank and area homeless shelters. Next year, teammates may plant produce for themselves and will be encouraged to keep half and donate half.

Iowa State Fair: About a dozen teammates and friends/significant others represented Bridgestone at the Iowa State Fair’s Little Hands OnThe Farm exhibit. This is an interactive exhibit that teaches children about the importance of agriculture. “Giving a smile to the faces of the children made the sun shine brighter, and the air taste sweeter,” said volunteer Will Wynkoop.

School Supply Drive: The USW310 Women of Steel conducted a drive to raise funds to purchase school supplies for local elementary school students, and, ultimately, went shopping with $708.00!! We were able to fulfill the entire school supply list for 30 students. We chose 10 second graders, 10 third graders and 10 fourth graders. We were excited to make a difference for these families and appreciate our teammates’ generosity!

Blood Drive: For the first time in several years, we sponsored a blood drive on August 27 for LifeServe. Eighteen teammates, including two new donors, participated and donated twenty units of blood to save or sustain up to 60 lives.


GL BAL SLOGANWork Towards

Our Goal of

“DAN-TOTSU”Through

Effective Communication, Teamwork, &

a Sense of Ownership.

Group CEO/Group COO

O U R

Meet Puppy Harvey!Puppy Harvey and Puppy Stone were the guests of honor at the Cy-Hawk grill out. They were named by a vote of teammates in 2018 as part of our BAAG Brackets March Madness fundraiser.

We are proud to partner with the Puppy Jake Foundation (PJF), a local non-profit organization that selects, trains, and places service dogs with brave wounded warriors.

Soon, PJF will welcome two more pups named in our 2019 fundraiser, Evo and Patton.

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Legendary race car driver and Firestone brand ambassador, Mario Andretti, spent about three hours at the Des Moines plant on July 17, ahead of the NTT IndyCar Series race at Iowa Speedway on July 20.Andretti met with plant and Union leadership and participated in a media interview that aired on KCCI Channel 8 news that evening. He also took a short tour of the plant and watched how a Firestone ag tire is built.

Finally, Andretti spent ninety minutes with teammates between shift change, signing autographs and taking pictures. He signed racing cards, garments, and even car parts teammates brought in! He had a ready smile and hearty handshake for every single person.

Our Des Moines team took great pride in welcoming Andretti in style – we decorated the lines with special Mario Andretti racing trivia and handed out F-shield cookies. Teammates who attended the meet and greet were also entered into a raffle for a chance to win tickets to the NTT IndyCar Series race at Iowa Speedway that weekend.

MARIO ANDRETTI

M A K E S S P E C I A L P I T S T O P

Made in Des Moines

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