Tag: Bridgestone/Firestone

Bigfoot comes to Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Bridgestone/Firestone Auto Care opens its first Maine location

Several Biddeford city officials joined with dozens of Bridgestone employees for Thursday’s grand opening event at Maine’s first Firestone Complete Auto Care location in Biddeford.

The auto care store first opened its doors on Alfred Road to the public on August 11, according to store manager Amanda Miller.

Miller said the Biddeford operation employs 13 people and is open seven days per week.

Although it took three attempts, company representatives and local leaders were able to cut the ceremonial ribbon to launch the grand opening. (Seaver photo)

In addition to all the pomp and circumstance of a typical ribbon cutting event, the company also announced a $3,000 donation plus some equipment and supplies for the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT)

The BRCOT serves high school students from Biddeford, Saco, Dayton and Waterboro with several areas of vocational training including plumbing, welding and automotive repair.

During his brief remarks at the ceremony, School Supt. Jeremy Ray thanked the company for their donation, adding that the BRCOT relies heavily on educational partnerships with area businesses.

According to Ray, the BRCOT has its largest enrollment in 15 years, serving more than 530 high school students who are exploring careers in the trades.

“This is a big win for us,” Ray told the crowd. “You often see things on social media pointing out the value of vocational training, but the city of Biddeford has been a proud leader in offering that type of education.”

Company officials and city leaders pose in front of Firestone’s well-known Big Foot truck during Thursday’s grand opening ceremony

According to company officials, the Biddeford location’s grand opening coincides with Firestone’s 100th anniversary. The Biddeford store, they said, is the first Firestone Complete Auto location in Maine and joins more than 2,000 other locations across the country.

City Manager Truc Dever told the audience she is in need of new tires after moving to Maine from Washington last month. “At least now I know where to get those tires,” she laughed.

Bridgestone/Firestone representatives said they will continue to provide ongoing support for the BRCOT’s automotive programs.

According to a company press release, Firestone Complete Auto Care is part of the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world, with more than 2,200 tire and vehicle service centers across the United States.

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email at randy@randyseaver.com

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