Civil War

While most other major concessionaires operating in Liberia at the time of the civil war’s outbreak in 1989 left the country, many to never return, Firestone Liberia maintained its presence to the long-term benefit of its employees, their dependents, and the country as a whole.

During the conflict, most of Firestone Liberia’s infrastructure and farm were destroyed. By the end of the war, the company needed to invest approximately USD $200 million to repair the damage and bring the farm back to its pre-war condition. Since then, Firestone Liberia has continued to invest in restoring operations back to its full operational capacity. Despite these efforts, the farm still only produces a third of its pre-war production due to the length of time needed to plant, grow and tap the rubber trees.

Fast Facts

Firestone Liberia Inc. has made a significant investment in the economy

• Since the end of the Liberian Civil Wars, Firestone Liberia has spent approximately US$1.3 billion in Liberia.
  • $131 million paid to the Government of Liberia for taxes and fees
  • $573 million paid to Liberian rubber farmers for rubber purchased by Firestone Liberia
  • $302 million paid for payroll and pensions (net after tax)
  • $324 million spent on the purchase of local goods and services

Firestone Liberia Inc. is making substantial contributions to social development

• Firestone Liberia’s school system is the largest concession-run system in the country, with more than 350 teachers employed, and a student enrollment of approximately 12,000 students every year
• Many of these students earn scholarships to higher education institutions and have graduated with honors
• Firestone Liberia’s medical operation delivered 572 babies in 2017, with nearly 50% of this number born to families outside the concession area
• We have also provided over 900 free surgeries to children from all over Liberia through a partnership withChildren’s Surgery International
• In 2014, Firestone Liberia was on the front lines of the Ebola crisis, our efforts resulting in the saving of thousands of lives in the concession area and in surrounding communities

Firestone Liberia Inc. is a major local employer committed to highest standards for workers

• Employment for thousands, free education for thousands, free healthcare for thousands, and support for Liberia’s rubber industry
• We are a major local employer in Liberia:
  • Firestone Liberia employs approximately 6,000 workers
  • 99.7% of our employees are Liberian