# The DisruptED World of Advanced Manufacturing at Bridgestone-Firestone (Ep. 2 with Cara Krstolic)

By Ron Stefanski · Published 2025-01-31 · Updated 2026-05-19 · Engineering & Construction on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/engineering-and-construction/advanced-manufacturing-bridgestone-firestone-cara-krstolic
Creator hub: DisruptED

> How a legacy tire manufacturer is reinventing production to meet the sustainability demands of a carbon-conscious world

## Key points

- Bridgestone-Firestone is actively reinventing its production processes to align with sustainability and carbon-reduction goals.
- Advanced manufacturing technologies are central to the company's strategy for staying competitive in a changing industrial landscape.
- Legacy manufacturers can successfully pursue disruption by leveraging existing operational strengths alongside new innovations.

Block Field

Sustainability has become a defining challenge for [industries worldwide](https://marketscale.com/industries/podcast-network/straight-outta-crumpton/balancing-growth-sustainability-hvac-industry/), and manufacturing is no exception. As businesses reckon with carbon emissions and waste, the race to develop eco-friendly production methods is on. Tire industry giant **Bridgestone-Firestone** is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging innovation to reduce its environmental footprint. After all, the year 2023 was the [hottest year on record](https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/climate-change-indicators-reached-record-levels-2023-wmo), underscoring the urgency of innovation. But how can a century-old industry balance tradition with the need for sustainability without sacrificing performance?

In the second episode of this two-part series on [*DisruptED*](https://marketscale.com/shows/disrupted/), host [Ron J. Stefanski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronjstefanski/) continues his conversation with [**Cara Krstolic**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-krstolic-b796956/), the Executive Director of Race Tire Engineering and Production and Chief Engineer of Motorsports at [**Bridgestone Americas**](https://www.bridgestoneamericas.com/en/index). Krstolic shares how Bridgestone-Firestone is pioneering sustainable solutions in high-performance motorsports, using racing as a proving ground for greener tire technology.

### Key takeaways from the conversation:

- **Sustainability in Motorsports:** Bridgestone is developing tires using alternative rubber sources like Waiuli and palm oil by-products, proving that sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing performance.
- **Circular Manufacturing:** The company is working toward a future where old race tires can be broken down and repurposed into new ones, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency.
- **Reshoring Manufacturing:** Bridgestone has opened the first new tire production facility in Ohio since World War II, revitalizing U.S. manufacturing and reinforcing the Midwest's status as a hub of industrial innovation.

> Bridgestone has opened the first new tire production facility in Ohio since World War II, revitalizing U.S. manufacturing and reinforcing the Midwest's status as a hub of industrial innovation.

### About the Guest

**Cara Krstolic** is a prominent leader in motorsports engineering, spearheading race tire development at Bridgestone Americas. With a strong background in polymer science and materials engineering, she has been instrumental in advancing sustainability initiatives within the company. A passionate advocate for STEM education and women in engineering, Krstolic is shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing in high-performance racing. Her expertise in tire dynamics, vehicle instrumentation, and sustainability positions her at the forefront of innovation in racing tire technology.

Tags: advanced manufacturing, Bridgestone Americas, Bridgestone-Firestone, Cara Krstolic, DisruptED, Ron J Stefanski

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