It is my great pleasure to be able to share the Second Consolidated Sustainability Report for Bridgestone Latin America North (BS-LAN), which encompasses the company’s achievements during 2016 in the countries within our region: Mexico, Costa Rica and Colombia. These accomplishments are the result of an efficient and motivated team that is committed to “Serving Society with Superior Quality”.
To reaffirm this vision, the Bridgestone Group recently launched its global CSR initiative, entitled “Our Way to Serve”, which is aligned with the group’s philosophy and mission, the Bridgestone Essence. Our vision is based on three Priority Areas (PA) – Mobility, People and Environment - and six Management Fundamentals (MF) – Compliance and Fair Competition, Business Continuity and Risk Management, Human Rights and Labor Practices, Industrial Hygiene and Safety, and Customer Value.
These areas and fundamentals are the foundation for Bridgestone’s business practice, which is why the Second Bridgestone Latin America North Report focuses on the indicators and results of this new global sustainability structure, based on the initiatives and programs implemented in each of the countries that make up our region.
Of the total regional sales, 70.7% of which corresponds to Mexico, 23.8% to Costa Rica and 5.5% to Colombia. Daily tire production reached 29,450 units, of which 19,055 are produced at the Cuernavaca Plant in Mexico, and 10,395 at the Belén Plant in Costa Rica. 39 new regional points of sale were opened, which, in addition to our more than 853 service centers, have helped consolidate our customer service network and our competitiveness.
As a clear example of how important training and talent development are for the company, the region implemented new leadership and skills development programs for employees, such as the “Bridgestone Ambassadors” regional program, the “Diploma for Leaders” in Mexico and Costa Rica, and the “Business School” in Mexico. The goal of these programs is clear: drive the talent of our employees and guarantee improved performance. In addition to implementing these programs, 102,160 hours of training were given to 2,311 employees, with an investment of US $374,532.
Our subsidiaries were presented with the Great Place to Work award for the third year in Mexico and Costa Rica, once again ranking them among a select group of companies. This is a source of great pride for Bridgestone, re ecting the company’s hard work and commitment to ensuring the quality of life of its employees. 347 new jobs were created in the region, in addition to those created indirectly with the opening of each new service center. Bridgestone Latin America North increased its number of female employees by 50% compared to 2015.
Daily tire production reached
29,450 units.
At a corporate level, the region has a volunteering program that offers the company’s employees the opportunity to take part in a range of social activities that promote the development of the communities in which Bridgestone operates. The categories of volunteering activities are aligned with the company’s Priority Areas: Mobility, People and Environment. In 2016, there were 1,040 volunteers in the region who took part in 4,086 hours of social programs.
In keeping with the company’s Environmental Mission, the region implemented operational improvements to minimize its environmental impact. The company’s production plants successfully recycled 87.38% of the waste generated during 2016; furthermore, at the Cuernavaca Plant, an electrical substation was built to reduce variations and interruptions to the power supply. At the plant in San José, Costa Rica, a sludge composting program was implemented at its Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Consolidation of
102,160 hours of training
for 2,311 employees.
Training in environmental issues for 1,925 employees and 766 suppliers.
To reaffirm its commitment to the environment, the region trained 1,925 employees and 766 suppliers in environmental issues. Furthermore, through community programs, 127 tonnes of waste tires were collected, and 600 trees were planted in Mexico.
2016 was, without a doubt, a year of major milestones for Bridgestone Latin America North (BS-LAN), as well as a year in which we developed a business strategy that will help us achieve the goals outlined in our 2021 Vision.
I am certain that the hard work of everyone from our region will help us to continue achieving the goals we set, while maintaining our leadership as one of the group’s most sustainable regions on a global scale.
I would invite you to read through this report, which contains not only what we achieved in 2016, but also the initiatives that we developed in each of the countries within the region, the goal of which is to create safer, healthier and more sustainable communities.
Kind regards,
Alfonso Zendejas
President
Bridgestone Latin America North (BS-LAN).