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.

Nov. 12 is expected to be the final day for most union workers while salaried employees will be done on Nov. 15.

Employees who stopped by the plant today told WIVB News 4 that they had no warning.

“Just sad day today — 24 years, changed my life,” said Sumitomo Rubber employee Sean Felton. “Good people that worked here.”

“I figured they might do a layoff. A closure, no, not at all” said fellow employee Anthony Vick. “I think they could’ve told so. It’s people’s livelihoods, you can’t just wake up and tell them you ain’t got a job and that’s it.”

Town Supervisor Joseph Emminger released the following statement regarding the closure:

“We have been made aware of Sumitomo Rubber USA’s announcement. Our first thoughts are with the more than 1,500 workers and their families who are impacted by this sudden plant closure. This is a very difficult time for them as they begin to deal with this unexpected news. They need to know the Town of Tonawanda stands with them. I will have more to say at a later time.”

In a statement, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz called the closure a “complete surprise.”

“It appears this decision was made by the Japanese owner’s board without any discussion with local and state officials about the possibility of closure,” Poloncarz said. “At no point did Sumitomo ask for any additional assistance to remain in operation, despite the fact we have always supported their efforts to succeed here in Erie County with tax incentives and assistance through the Erie County Industrial Development Agency.”

Poloncarz went on to say that he spoke with Governor Kathy Hochul and they will work, alongside other officials, to keep the facility open, if possible. Poloncarz also addressed the employees in his statement and said if the closure is permanent, the county will work with them to “secure new employment.”

Basil Family Dealerships say on Facebook that they are hiring and encourage those affected by the closure to apply.

The New York State Department of Labor is hosting a job fair for those impacted by the closure from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Williamsville Career Center on 4175 Transit Road.

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Adam Duke is a digital contributor who joined WIVB in 2021. See more of his work here.

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