Goodyear, by contrast, took a very different path.
Respectful of its corporate heritage but not beholden to it, Goodyear adapted to the new competitive environment through a series of carefully staged changes, avoiding the need for a revolution.
The company cut its production capacity for traditional tires in a way that showed respect for its longstanding commitments to workers and communities.
Wherever possible, it converted existing factories to radial production or built new radial facilities adjacent to closed plants, retaining most employees and thus mitigating the disruption to the communities.
And whereas Firestone radically reduced its level of customer service, Goodyear continued to invest in its customer relationships, establishing a basis for future growth.