BFGoodrich tire plant in Tuscaloosa to close; 1,200 jobs affected

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WAKA) – Michelin North America, Inc., has announced that it will close the BFGoodrich tire plant in Tuscaloosa, which will affect 1,200 workers.

Under a reorganization, nearly all production of BFGoodrich Tires will be consolidated at a plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Operations in Tuscaloosa will begin winding down in phases early next year and are expected to conclude by the end of 2028.

The company says it temporarily idled operations in Tuscaloosa to discuss details with employees today. Operations are expected to resume normally on Monday. No separations are expected for several months, as transition plans are finalized, the company said.

The company says it will begin discussions with union leaders to determine separation benefits for wage employees in Tuscaloosa, consistent with the current collective bargaining agreement and U.S. laws.

The company says both of the plants are operating well below their capacities. At the same time, the company says BFGoodrich Tires faces intensifying competition in its core recreation/off-road market segment, even as the brand maintains a strong market share and remains the benchmark for performance in this category.

Consolidating production at Fort Wayne will create a more efficient industrial structure positioned for the brand’s long-term success, company leaders say.

“Because of the dedication of our teams in Tuscaloosa, BFGoodrich Tires is celebrated as a pioneering American brand, and an enduring symbol of car and truck culture,” Terry Redmile, Michelin’s senior vice president for manufacturing operations in the Americas said.

“Due to the size, footprint and infrastructure of the Fort Wayne factory, that site is better positioned to consolidate the capacity and meet future demands for the success of BFGoodrich Tires,” Redmile said. “Unfortunately, we could not identify any feasible structure that would enable us to continue operating in Tuscaloosa while also supporting long-term value creation across our factories in North America.”

The reorganization will impact approximately 1,200 employees in Tuscaloosa, as tire-production and rubber-mixing activities gradually ramp down over the next two years. As the wind-down process is completed, Michelin North America intends to collaborate with public and private stakeholders to explore new missions for the Tuscaloosa site, keeping in focus its stewardship and commitment to the community’s long-term success, leaders said.

— Information from Michelin North America, Inc.