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May 1, 2009
The recession, which claimed 67 jobs at Bridgestone Firestone Off Road Tire earlier this year, has claimed 50 more.
The latest layoffs, effective at the end of work yesterday, involve hourly workers making smaller to mid-sized off road tires, for which demand has shrunk.
“There’s an unprecedented decline in new construction, both residential and commercial,” spokesman Don Darden said Thursday. The decline means fewer tires are needed for equipment used to build roads, houses and commercial centers.
The latest layoffs, which leave the Normal plant with about 300 workers, are being done in accordance with the plant’s union contract, he said.
And they follow the loss of 67 hourly workers Mar. 1. Darden, speaking from company headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., said none of those workers have so far been called back.
And he also couldn’t say if this is the last of the job reductions. “We certainly hope so,” he said.
While demand for 25- to 35-inch off road tires is down, demand for the giant 13-foot loader tires made at the plant remains stronger. Darden said none of those laid off today work with the giant tires.
Earlier this year, Bridgestone received new equipment projected to almost double production capacity of those tires, which are used in mining operations.
Now there is also hope that government programs to stimulate the economy might jump-start construction and increase demand for the smaller tires, Darden said.
Meanwhile, although today’s laid-off workers won’t receive severance pay, those currently enrolled in the company’s medical plan will have three months of coverage, Darden said. They will be eligible for COBRA coverage after that. (Tire Review/Akron)
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