The Michelin plant in Ardmore will be ceasing tire production in the near future. Plans are to cease tire production completely by 2025. Eric Bruner, the Michelin Spokesperson said that only part of the plant will be affected by this decision.
The Michelin plant in Ardmore will be ceasing tire production in the near future. Plans are to cease tire production completely by 2025. Eric Bruner, the Michelin Spokesperson said that only part of the plant will be affected by this decision.
“The decision does not affect every part of the factory the same way, the tire manufacturing activity involves about 1400 people, but the rubber mixing activity will continue because that supports other factories in our network,” he said in a statement.
Even though the closure will affect approximately 1400 workers, a handful of worker’s jobs will be safe. The rubber mixing operations will continue. This houses approximately 100 workers.
Bruner said the 1400 employees’ jobs won’t be affected until the summer of 2024. Even then, Michelin will offer support and resources for the employees, including a severance package with benefits.
Bruner also said that some employees could be retained for other locations.
“Priority consideration for other jobs in the organization, we do want people to look for other jobs and if they’re qualified the company will support their relocation to other plants in the network,” Bruner said.
According to Michelin, there are multiple reasons they are closing that part of the plant down. The shift from gas-powered to crossover and electric vehicles are a main reason. Tires for those types of vehicles can’t be produced at the Ardmore plant.
Ardmore City Manager Kevin Boatright said the city is wanting to discuss options to assist the affected employees and keep them in the community.
“We’ve already had the conversations with the development authority and the chamber of commerce about what we can do to have a get together soon to look at all the other employers and number of jobs open in the community and make those known to those who wish to stay in the community,” Boatright noted.
Boatright said the decision to close part of the plant could affect more than just the employees.
“They are the second largest water user in the entire city of Ardmore, and so when you’re talking about losing a huge portion of that, that is going to affect us financially down the road,” Boatright added.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt voiced his sadness about the portion of the plant closing.
"It’s definitely disappointing to hear that Michelin is leaving Ardmore. They’ve been a mainstay in southern Oklahoma for years,” Stitt noted in an email. “Events like this illustrate why it’s important to be the most business friendly state. Business is constantly changing, but Ardmore is a great location with a great workforce, and I have no doubt we will attract more businesses.”
“I know Oklahomans will do what we always do – lend a hand to their neighbor as these folks transition to the next chapter,” he continued. “I’m working with Lt. Gov. Pinnell and the Department of Commerce to make sure those impacted have access to available programs so they land on their feet."