Sumitomo Rubber announces Tonawanda plant closure, over 1,500 employees affected

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Sumitomo Rubber on Thursday announced via its website that it will be closing the facility in Tonawanda. The plant previously manufactured tires for cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles.

According to a release on the company's website, the closure "follows an extended examination of the viability of the facility," including analysis of business complexities, costs, dated infrastructure, intermittent financial performance and changing market conditions.

The release said the evaluation was taken to ensure the company's long-term sustainability internationally and claims the company implemented measures to try to keep the facility alive.

According to the release, about 1,550 workers will be impacted by the closure and the United Steelworkers Union local 135 is working on bargaining and severance packages.

"The company intends to actively collaborate with union representation and former salaried employees on various job placement support services to help ease workforce transition," the release said.

In addition to its employees, the company has communicated with customers and suppliers to address concerns related to orders, deliveries and contractual obligations. The release also stated that though the factory is closed effective immediately, the company's "wind down activities" are expected to conclude over the next 12-24 months, with plans to move research, development and testing to another U.S. location.