• Bridgestone Australia re-commits to the agricultural sector through in-house distribution of specialty tyres.
• Newly created National Sales Manager – Agricultural role filled by experienced and respected Scott Woolley.
• Renewed commitment to the sector is a demonstration of the efficiency and ease values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment.

Adelaide, South Australia – Bridgestone Australia has re-entered the agricultural sector through the direct supply, distribution, and technical support of Bridgestone and Firestone branded tractor tyres.

The distribution and supply of Bridgestone and Firestone agricultural tyres has been brought back in-house ending a multi-year distribution licence agreement through a third party and highlights the importance the leading tyre company places on the sector.

Bridgestone and Firestone Ag tyres will be sold through a growing network of stores in regional areas, as well as through the Bridgestone Service Centre network – complementing the range of passenger, 4x4 and commercial vehicles being sold.

According to Sales Director at Bridgestone Australia, Claudio Sodano, the decision to bring the distribution of agriculture products in-house realises efficiencies for both the customer and Bridgestone.

“We're excited by the addition of Bridgestone and Firestone agricultural products to our core range. This change will expand our tyre offering and drive efficiencies for businesses in the sector,” Mr Sodano said.

“It didn’t make sense for our customers to engage with Bridgestone for passenger, 4x4 and commercial vehicle tyres, and go elsewhere for our specialty agricultural tyres. With our re-entry to the agricultural sector, we’re simplifying the supply chain and making it easier to access the full range of tyres for their business.”

The core range of Bridgestone Australia’s agricultural offering focusses on the broadacre and large row crop segments, primarily through key products from the American-made Firestone range.

President of Integrated Agricultural Tyre Business at Firestone Ag, Tony Orlando, says the renewed focus and investment in the Australia & New Zealand market was born through parallels between our market and the native Firestone market.

“Firestone Ag is excited about the potential of the Australia & New Zealand market over the next few years. As a global brand, we anticipate Australia & New Zealand to represent a vital piece of our business strategy heading into 2024 and beyond,” Mr Orlando said.

“The Australian & New Zealand ag market mirrors the North American market in many ways, including its customer demographics and climate. This is one of many reasons why Firestone Ag views Australia & New Zealand as a region of major potential.”

“Firestone Ag is committed to supporting this growth with an increase in investment in marketing, training, and other important elements of our business in Australia and New Zealand. We project our ag sales in the region to more than quadruple within the next four years,” he added.

To realise this growth potential, Bridgestone Australia’s newly formed Agricultural Products department is headed up by National Sales Manager, Scott Woolley. He brings more than 30 years of experience across the agricultural and commercial tyre landscape to the role.

Mr Woolley has been with Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand since 2001 and has served in the National Operations Manager – Commercial, National Commercial Manager and National Account & State Sales Manager QLD roles throughout his tenure.

“I’m no stranger to the agricultural tyre market. After starting my career in the UK, I sold and fitted tractor tyres when I moved to New Zealand, so I’m glad to be getting back to my roots and driving Bridgestone Australia’s re-entry to the agricultural market,” Mr Woolley said.

“Bridgestone has a strong network of stores that are well recognised, especially in regional areas with the Bridgestone Service Centre network. It makes sense for us to leverage the strength of our network for agricultural products as well as truck, 4x4 and passenger vehicles,” he added.

# # #