Bridgestone India leaders Uday Wagde, Director of Manufacturing Operations, and Rajiv Sharma, Director of Integrated Consumer Business, reflect on their journey so far and share their outlook for the future.

Uday: I started my career at BSID in 1996, the same year Bridgestone began its business in India. I was involved in the establishment of the Indore plant and the production of our very first tire. Over the past nearly 30 years, I have witnessed countless milestones and challenges. Looking back, I take great pride in having spent the majority of my life with BSID.

Rajiv: I joined BSID in 1997, and since then, India has undergone a remarkable transformation, with its economy experiencing tremendous growth. The country has rapidly advanced, particularly in the IT sector, establishing itself as a major global player. In parallel, since the mid-1990s, numerous international car manufacturers have entered the Indian market, contributing to the significant expansion of the tire industry.

Uday: In the late 1990s, when BSID’s business was still in its early stages, our main focus was on OE customers. Over time, our products gained recognition for their performance and durability, and with the rapid adoption of radial tires in India, Bridgestone has established itself as a leading brand in the REP market. However, we are not content with where we are now. Our goal is to further contribute to the development of the mobility industry and advance sustainability initiatives.

Rajiv: In a fast- growing market like India, staying ahead and making proactive business decisions has been key to our success. Our focus on OE tire manufacturing allowed us to build strong relationships with major car manufacturers, while our expansion of the distribution network has enabled us to provide better, customer-centric services. The launch of the Pune plant in 2013 further strengthened our domestic production capacity, ensuring that we could effectively meet local demand. These combined efforts have helped solidify our position as a market leader in India.

Uday: Another key strength of BSID is our employees. The company is supported by hardworking and talented individuals, and our culture of embracing diversity while respecting individual growth and career aspirations has been a driving force behind our success.

Rajiv: I completely agree with Uday. Over time, BSID has evolved into a company that truly respects individuality and values diversity. While there was a time when our focus was purely on manufacturing and sales performance, we have now transformed into an organization that prioritizes both our customers and employees, making us stronger than ever.

Uday: As the Indore Plant Manager, my top priority will always be to create a workplace where our team members can work safely—both physically and mentally. I believe that "Dan-Totsu" products are born from an environment where employees value their own voices and give their best for their colleagues. Beyond generating profits, I want to continue contributing to improving people's lives—both now and in the future.

Rajiv: A commitment to quality, an environment where knowledge is shared globally, and a warm, family-like workplace culture—these are the three defining characteristics of BSID that I take great pride in. By valuing these strengths and continuously sharing ideas and knowledge with my colleagues, we will keep delivering "Dan-Totsu" products to society. Beyond work, I also want to support those around me in my personal life. Moving forward, I remain dedicated to “contributing to society with the highest quality.”

Additionally, Mr. Agustin, the BSAPIC Group President, spoke about the strengths and future of BSID.

Recognizing India's potential early on, Bridgestone began its business in the country in 1996. Over the decades, Bridgestone India has built a solid foundation and established itself as a key player in the industry. The company's success is driven by three major strengths.

The first is strong brand power. For nearly 30 years, Bridgestone has remained close to its customers, continuously responding to diverse needs. Today, it is widely recognized as a high-quality brand with a solid position in the passenger car tire market.

The second is a robust “local production and local consumption.” With high trade barriers for tire imports, Bridgestone India’s strong manufacturing capabilities in Pune and Indore provide a significant competitive advantage. The company can swiftly respond to demand trends, such as the increasing need for premium and EV tires, while maintaining cost competitiveness in logistics and supply chain operations. Additionally, Bridgestone India's extensive distribution and logistics network ensures that high-quality tires reach customers efficiently.

The third is a strong commitment to sustainability. Bridgestone India actively promotes CO₂ reduction and circular economy initiatives, striving not only for business growth but also for creating social value.

These three strengths will continue to be the driving force behind BSID’s growth in the years to come. In November last year, a strategic investment of approximately ¥11.9 billion was announced to expand the production capacity of the Pune and Indore plants, further reinforcing BSID’s position as a market leader. Looking ahead, Bridgestone India envisions a bright future, positioning itself not just as a leader in BSAPIC but as a driving force in Bridgestone’s global business.