Pros
The people I work with and who I work for are the greatest reasons I enjoy working at Bridgestone. As with any company, its greatest assets are its people and Bridgestone has done an excellent job selecting people who are both capable of doing the job, but also a joy to work with on a daily basis. If you enjoy what you do and who you work with, it's so much easier to come to work each day. The open-door policy among management flows down to every level within the company. There is never an issue talking to anyone at any level. The company is very diverse... we're not just a tire company. Though tires are our main business, there are many facets of the process that one can experience if they so choose. That being the case, there are a wide range of opportunities throughout the company. There are also opportunities to complete an international assignment (3-6 month rotation) at one of our global Technical Centers in Tokyo, Rome, or Sao Paulo. With a renewed focus on being a premier place to work, many new initiatives have been put in place. This has improved the work environment as well as work/life balance. The Americas Technical Center located in Akron, OH is in a region with a fairly low cost of living. There are several surrounding areas that provide great public and private schools, parks, attractions, etc. It is a great area for young professionals and families alike.
Cons
Bridgestone is a large company that has been around for a long time. That is one of its great strengths, but also leads to a few weaknesses. There are times that it takes longer than it should to complete a simple task (bureaucratic policies/paperwork).