United Steel Workers says Sumitomo rejected plan to keep plant open

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Sumitomo Rubber has denied a plan to keep the plant open and save the company tens of millions of dollars, the United Steel Workers Local 135L says.

Sumitomo closed unexpectedly last week. More than 1,500 workers lost their jobs. The company cited costs, dated infrastructure, financial performance and changing market conditions for the closure.

Officials from the union told WIVB News 4 that they submitted a plan to the company that would have saved them more than $20 million. It also would have kept the Tonawanda plant open; however, the plan was rejected, according to the union.

Buffalo Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon released a statement describing the rejection as “troubling.”

“It is especially frustrating that the union put forward an effective, cost-saving solution, yet the company chose to reject,” he said. “My administration remains committed to working closely with union leaders, industry partners, and workforce organizations to explore all available options and provide the necessary support to help these workers transition and rebuild.”

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Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

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