Performance Fibers to Idle Tyre Fibre Production in Alabama

(Akron/Tire Review) The downturn in the North American tyre industry has begun taking its toll on suppliers. Performance Fibers, a leading supplier of polyester fibres for tyres, is idling its polyester fibre production at its Scottsboro, Alabama, facility. The company said the move was “due to slowing demand in North America caused by U.S. tyre manufacturing cutbacks, high raw material costs and other factors.”

The plant’s treated fabric operation that will not be affected, the company said. Performance Fibers said it will consolidate fiber production for North America to its New Hill, N.C., plant by year-end.

“U.S. tyre manufacturing plant closures, compounded by sustained high raw material costs, increased global competition and other factors that have weakened demand made this decision necessary to continue to remain profitable in North America,” said Greg Rogowski, president and CEO.