CTNA to Close Former Mayfield Tyre Plant

(Akron/Tire Review) Continental Tire North America (CTNA) announced today that it has decided to close its former Mayfield, Kentucky., tyre plant. The plant, which has only served as a warehouse and rubber mixing facility since CTNA ended tyremaking there in December 2004, will be shuttered completely within six months, the company said.

CTNA cited declining business conditions in its OE passenger and light truck tyre business and escalating energy and raw materials costs as the reasons for the closure. Some 150 hourly and salary workers will lose their jobs as a result.

“Although we have seen recent improvements in our manufacturing costs and replacement business, we must continue to implement measures to reduce our costs and return CTNA to profitability,” said CTNA president and CEO Alan Hippe.

CTNA said it has offered to meet immediately with the United Steelworkers to negotiate layoff benefits for displaced hourly employees.